Kings Highway widening starts in Charlotte County

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)— A major widening project on Kings Highway is set to begin, transforming the roadway between Sandhill Boulevard and the DeSoto County line.

The $10.5 million construction project started Monday. Crews, clearing greenery to make space for a new four-lane divided highway.

The improvements to the two lane road include protected left-turn lanes at critical locations to enhance safety and traffic operations. The project will also feature utility infrastructure upgrades, street lighting, a 10-foot multi-use path on the west side and a six-foot pedestrian sidewalk on the east side of the roadway..

Neighbors who live farther down are excited to have a four-lane road but aren't excited for the traffic. Ed and Sharon Farhart said they've been looking forward to the widening for years.

"We've been looking forward to having this completed," Ed Farhart said. "Many, you know, has been in the works many, many years ago. You know, we've heard about the widening of Kings Highway and we're happy it's finally happening. So we've lived here about 18 years. Yeah. And they've talked about it since we moved here."

The Farharts said leaving their home was difficult following Hurricane Ian, and they hope the widening will help with hurricane evacuations in the future. They said they think the project is a good idea but expect traffic delays during construction.

"I think it's a good idea. However, in the meantime, it's gonna be a mess," Ed Farhart said. "The light is gonna be hard getting out when they start building. It's gonna be hard getting out left or right. Either way. So, but I think in the long run, you know, in the long run it's gonna be worth it."

Crews have been working to place construction barrels along the roadway as they started to dig up trees and brush in the area to make room for the widening project. If everything goes according to plan, the mile-long stretch of road will be completed in a year and a half.

The widening will provide a continuous four-lane divided highway from the I-75 interchange to the DeSoto County line.

The Charlotte County Public Works Department reminds motorists to remain alert at all times and exercise caution when traveling in construction zones. Travelers should allow extra time when planning to travel through the area.