Babcock Ranch roadwork begins; drivers face delays until July completion

BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. (WINK)— Crews began construction on a new roundabout at Babcock Ranch Road and Lake Babcock Drive, marking the next phase of an improvement project aimed at fixing major traffic headaches for drivers heading in and out of the area.

Babcock Ranch is an area known for its rapid growth, but neighbors say the roads are struggling to keep up. When asked to describe the traffic in one word, residents and workers had similar responses.

“Terrible.” “Frustrating.” “Annoying.” Sentiments shared by several Babcock Ranch residents.

Construction began Monday on the next phase of the improvement project that started in 2024. The project is designed to improve traffic flow and safety along one of the main roads in and out of the community.

"It's one way in, one way out," Belisle said.

For parents, it's more than an inconvenience—it's a daily schedule change. Deltoro said she has to leave an hour before her daughter's school starts just to arrive on time.

During construction of the roundabout, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) says Lake Babcock Drive will be closed through July. 

Some drivers are hopeful the project will ease traffic congestion.

"If it's going to alleviate some of the traffic, it's definitely a good idea," Bullock said. 

Others feel differently about the ongoing construction. Deltoro said it's just constant, with something else always coming up.

"It was like, okay, here comes another bump in the road for stuff to go a couple of weeks," Deltoro said. "Like you, I'm saying that years down the road, it'll get smooth, yes, but right now, no, it's bumpy."

FDOT says these improvements are designed to keep up with the area's growth and make driving safer in the long run. For now, many say they're just trying to get through the delays.

Ultimately, FDOT hopes the roundabout and the completion of the entire improvement project will bring much-needed relief in 2027.