State Road 70 work in Arcadia pushed to late 2027, frustrating neighbors

ARCADIA, Fla. (WINK) — Road work has taken over Arcadia for nearly three years as the Florida Department of Transportation reconstructs State Road 70, and for many neighbors, the delays and detours are wearing thin.

Several residents voiced their construction frustrations at WINK Listens.

"And they didn't tear up just one street. They tore up the entire town," said Gail Dawn-Hinesley, an Arcadia resident.

Work on the 3.4 miles of roadway started in August 2023 and was expected to wrap up this summer. That timeline has now been pushed back to late 2027.

"Just when you thought that it's like, ‘Oh, okay, hey, we've got a little bit finished,’ they don't open it, or they tear up something else that's adjacent to it so they can't open it," said Kimberly Zahary, an Arcadia resident.

"Why has it taken so long?" Dawn-Hinesley said.

WINK News took that question to FDOT.

In a statement, a spokesperson said crews encountered unforeseen conditions, including unmarked and conflicting utilities. These have required additional coordination, redesign, relocations and tie-ins with multiple agencies and service providers.

"Isn't that why you hire people prior to come in and tell you what you know needs to be done and what you're going to find?" Zahary said.

Residents also raised concerns about their health and safety.

"Who's looking to make sure that we're safe from the toxins that they're digging up out of the ground that's been there for hundreds of years?" Dawn-Hinesley said.

An FDOT spokesperson said the project follows a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. They told WINK News this plan outlines measures to control erosion, sediment and dust, and is implemented and adjusted as needed throughout construction to help minimize impacts to surrounding areas.

After years of construction, residents are ready for final results. Zahary made it clear what needs to happen next.

"They need to get it done. I mean, the bottom line is, they need to get it done," Zahary said.

FDOT said it recognizes the inconvenience the construction has caused for residents, businesses and travelers in the area. You can read their full statement to WINK News below:

Project Timeline

The S.R. 70 project in Arcadia is currently anticipated to be completed in late 2027. While earlier projections referenced a summer completion, the schedule has been adjusted to reflect field conditions and additional work identified during construction.

We understand this extended timeline has been frustrating for the community, and we truly appreciate the public’s patience as we continue working to deliver a safer and more resilient roadway.

Reason for Duration / Delays

This project is a complex infrastructure improvement that extends beyond typical roadway work. In addition to reconstructing the 3.4-mile corridor, the project includes the installation of major drainage components such as box culverts, along with extensive upgrades to water, sewer, and stormwater systems.

Throughout construction, crews have encountered unforeseen conditions, including unmarked and conflicting utilities. These have required additional coordination, redesign, relocations, and tie-ins with multiple agencies and service providers. While these challenges can impact the schedule, addressing them properly is essential to ensure long-term reliability and safety for the community.

Weather impacts and holiday allowances have also contributed to schedule adjustments, as reflected in contract time extensions.

Overall Progress

The project is currently approximately 78% complete and continues to progress.

We recognize the inconvenience construction has caused to residents, businesses, and travelers in the area. FDOT and the project team continue to coordinate closely with utility partners and stakeholders to complete the work as efficiently and safely as possible, while keeping the long-term benefits of improved drainage, utilities, and roadway conditions in focus.