SR 31 speed limit cuts impacting Babcock Ranch traffic

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — Drivers on State Road 31 near Babcock Ranch are encountering reduced speed limits due to ongoing construction for a road expansion project.

The Florida Department of Transportation advised that these changes took effect in February, but the new speed limits have sparked mixed reactions among drivers.

Many drivers expressed concerns about the impact of the lowered speed limits on traffic congestion. They believe the changes will exacerbate the existing slowdowns on this busy road.

Rebekah Wright, a resident of Babcock Ranch, shared her thoughts on the situation.

"If I'm going to Aldi to get my groceries, then I gotta tack on some more time to make sure I get there," said Wright.

Wright has taken precautions to deal with the traffic, including keeping a cooler in her car to prevent groceries from melting during longer trips.

"I have a cooler in the back of my car now, because if I have frozens, I don't want them to melt," said Wright.

Construction is currently underway for the future State Road 31, which will include new roundabouts and added lanes for parts of Charlotte and Lee County, a couple hundred feet east of the existing road.

"It's got pros and cons," said Wright. "It's not good for the commute times, but I understand the safety."

Motorcycle driver Aaron Peterson also commented on the changes brought about by the area's growth.

"The traffic, it used to be okay, but as Babcock Ranch has grown, it's just gotten terrible. I mean, more traffic, more construction," said Peterson.

FDOT announced that starting in February, drivers should expect further reduced speeds. However, there are discrepancies between GPS systems and posted speed limit signs, with some GPS indicating 60 miles per hour while signs display 35 miles per hour.

Wright and her neighbors remain hopeful about the future improvements but are uncertain about the construction timeline.

"It's going to be an improvement when the new road is opened. As far as the construction period, nobody knows when it's going to be done, so everybody's kind of in a hurry up and wait phase," said Wright.

FDOT stated that once the project is completed, most of the roadway will have a speed limit of 45 miles per hour, with roundabouts set at 25 miles per hour. According to FDOT's website, this phase of the project is expected to conclude by the middle of 2027.

WINK Q and A with FDOT

Wink News reporter Maddie Herron reached out to FDOT's media team Thursday with questions about the project. Below are questions from Herron and answers from a spokesperson for the department.

Q: Why the reduction in speed limits? How do the reduced speed limits factor into the construction project?

A: The reduction of the speed limit helps to maintain the safety of construction workers and motorists alike. The reduction of the speed limit is due to the contractor initiating construction activities for the planned roundabout at Lake Babcock Drive.

Q: What was the original speed limit on SR 31, prior to this phase in construction? Do any parts of SR 31 still have a speed limit of 60pmh?

A: The speed limit on SR 31 before this current phase was 60mph. Locations north of the project limits on State Road 31 remain at 60mph.

Q: Are these reduced speed limits temporary for construction? If so, when can drivers expect them to bump back up?

A: Estimated completion of the project is Spring 2027. The new speed limit will be 45 mph for most of the new roadway. The speed limit through the three new roundabouts will be 25 mph.

Q: How has traffic been impacted as a result of these new speed limits?

A: Motorists may be experiencing slower-moving traffic due to the change in speed limit through the active construction zone.

Q: Are there any alternate routes or advice FDOT recommends for drivers who may be experiencing frustration with this construction project?

A: There are currently no formal alternate routes in place. Motorists are encouraged to allow for extra travel time. For real-time traffic updates, visit FL511.com.

Q: GPS systems, such as Apple Maps, seem to not have updated with the newly posted speed limit signage on SR-31... what should drivers know about these discrepancies with GPS speed limits and what is actually posted in the area?

A: Changing traffic patterns can cause confusion. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution, stay alert, and follow all posted regulatory signage while driving through construction zones.