10/02/2026
ROADWATCH REPORT -
On October 1, 2026, the Florida Department of Transportation released District One Districtwide Roadwatch Report #40 for the Week of October 4 - 10, 2026.
DeSoto County projects are listed below; the full report can be found at the following link: https://www.swflroads.com/projects/County/DeSoto/Future
For Roadwatch details, visit https://www.swflroads.com/roadwatch/County/DeSoto
DESOTO COUNTY
S.R. 70 from Peace River to Southeast Baker Street: Construction project: Crews will reconstruct approximately 3.4 miles of S.R. 70 within the City of Arcadia. The project includes the installation of new drainage facilities, relocation and addition of sanitary and water and utilities, upgrading traffic signals, reconstructing sidewalks, and installing street lighting in various locations. During construction, lane closures will occur on S.R. 70. Temporary pedestrian pathways are in place while sidewalks are under construction. Detours will be implemented while crews work on side roads. Please follow posted signage and use caution in the area.
• Eastbound S.R. 70 traffic is currently using the right lane from the Peace River to Baldwin Avenue. Between Baldwin Avenue and Dade Avenue, traffic shifts to the left lane, then back to the right lane past Dade Avenue. No lane restrictions are in place past Baker Street.
• Westbound S.R. 70 traffic shifts onto the south side of the roadway past Baker Street to facilitate the construction of a new box culvert. Past Roger Avenue, traffic utilizes the newly constructed left lane to Hillsborough Avenue. Between Hillsborough Avenue and Manatee Avenue, westbound traffic is currently utilizing the right lane. At Manatee Avenue, traffic switches into the newly constructed left lane. No lane restrictions are in place past the Peace River.
• On Monday, October 5, 2026, a temporary traffic diversion will be implemented for westbound S.R. 70 traffic at Hickory Street and West Oak Street, between Wilson Avenue and Baldwin Avenue. The diversion is expected to remain in place for one day.
• West Oak Street will be closed at Palm Avenue while the temporary traffic diversion is in place. Motorists should expect delays, follow posted traffic-control signs, and use caution while traveling through the area.
• Nearby City of Arcadia, utility and roadway construction on adjacent side streets along the project is ongoing, requiring the closure of certain streets at S.R. 70. Motorists are urged to follow all detour signs and expect delays while this work continues.
• Motorists are urged to use caution when approaching traffic shifts and to follow all lane markings and posted signage.
Estimated completion is early to mid-2028.
S.R. 70 from Townsend to Desoto/Highlands County Line: Utility maintenance project: Crews will be installing new utility wires and replacing existing poles.
• Utility work is expected to continue through September 2026. Utility crews and equipment will be active throughout the corridor.
• Motorists should expect intermittent daytime and nighttime lane closures with one-lane flagging operations in place.
• Motorists should expect intermittent daytime lane closures along S.R. 70 as crews are unloading equipment and materials, replacing poles and installing new wiring. Lane closures will be controlled by flagging operations.
• Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers and equipment in the work zone.
S.R. 31 from S.R. 70 South to the DeSoto/Charlotte County Line: Maintenance project: Crews will perform various shoulder maintenance activities along the corridor throughout the remainder of September.
• Daytime shoulder work will occur at various locations along S.R. 31 as maintenance operations progress.
• Motorists should expect workers and equipment near the roadway and may encounter intermittent traffic impacts.
• Drivers are urged to pay attention to advance warning signs, reduce speed, and use caution while traveling through the work zone.
• Motorists should allow extra travel time and be prepared for changing conditions as work progresses along the corridor.
Work is expected to continue through September 2026.
S.R. 17 Northbound from Imogene Street to Fiveash Street: Maintenance project: Crews will perform daytime shoulder work on northbound S.R. 17 between Imogene Street and Fiveash Street from Monday, September 28, through Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
• The work will be performed as a moving operation, with one northbound lane closed as crews progress toward Fiveash Street.
• Motorists should expect possible delays and use caution while traveling through the work zones.
• Drivers are urged to pay attention to advance warning signs, reduce speed, and use caution while traveling through the work zone.
