HENDRY COUNTY — The following column is the Road Watch report for Hendry County for the week beginning Sunday, Oct. 18, provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.

 S.R. 29 (Bridge Street) LaBelle Drawbridge over the Caloosahatchee River: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) continues to monitor the LaBelle Drawbridge in Hendry County following extensive structural repairs and load testing.

• UPDATED WEIGHT RESTRICTION: The LaBelle Drawbridge is subject to posted weight limits based on vehicle size, configuration, and axle layout, with a base restriction of 26 tons for single-unit trucks and higher allowable limits for certain larger vehicle combinations.
• Commercial vehicle operators must follow the posted weight-limit signage and comply with the restriction applicable to their vehicle configuration.
• Vehicles exceeding the applicable posted weight limit must use the designated regional detour via R. 78, U.S. 27, and S.R. 80.
• Motorists should expect possible delays, follow posted weight-limit and detour signage, and consider alternate routes when possible.

U.S. 27 from South Berner Road to Stitt Ranch Road in Clewiston: (Routine maintenance) Crews will perform nighttime milling and resurfacing operations on U.S. 27 between Berner Road and Stitt Ranch Road, Hendry County, to repair deteriorated asphalt.

• Nighttime lane closures will occur from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. while milling and resurfacing activities are underway.
• Motorists should use caution, watch for workers and equipment, and expect possible delays while traveling through the work zone.

Expected completion: October 30, 2026.

U.S. 27 (S.R. 25/S.R. 80) from Industrial Canal to West Sagamore Avenue: (Construction project) Crews will begin roadway improvements along U.S. 27 in Hendry County in October 2026. The project includes milling and resurfacing, roadway and drainage improvements, ADA improvements, signalization upgrades, and new signage and pavement markings.

• Work is tentatively scheduled to begin on the south side of U.S. 27 at Olympia Street and progress eastward.
• Motorists may encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, traffic shifts, and reduced travel speeds as construction progresses.
• Temporary side street closures may occur to accommodate sidewalk and crosswalk reconstruction, as well as directional boring associated with conduit installation.
• Pedestrians should expect temporary sidewalk impacts near active work areas and should follow posted signs and designated routes.
• All anticipated work will be performed during daytime hours.
• Motorists should use caution, remain alert, and watch for workers and equipment throughout the construction zone.

Estimated completion is in summer 2027.

As a reminder, travelers can visit www.FL511.com or dial “511” from their phone to learn about traffic conditions on major roadways across the state.