Charlotte County's Kings Highway to get 4 lanes, paths by October 2027

CHARLOTTE COUNTY — Drivers heading into Charlotte County on Kings Highway are dealing with a new traffic pattern as a major road widening project moves forward.

Southbound traffic at the Kings Highway and Sandhill Blvd. intersection is now being squeezed into a single lane as crews make room for construction.

Leslie Louis, who lives off Kings Highway, said the changes have been noticeable since she moved in.

"There is a lot of road construction and with, of course, construction, there's a lot of disruption… everything's delayed," Louis said.

Louis said getting onto Kings Highway during rush hour takes patience, but she has noticed drivers being considerate.

"When we are trying to get out onto Kings Highway, the people are very generous in allowing us to get in and to get out," Louis said.

Kings Highway is a key route for drivers coming from DeSoto County into Charlotte County and heading toward I-75.

Drone footage shows crews currently installing a new water main along the side of the road as part of a more than $10 million effort to replace the existing two-lane stretch with a four-lane divided roadway.

Charlotte County says drivers are most likely to feel the impact of the lane reduction during mornings and afternoons.

Chad Ray, public relations manager for Charlotte County Public Works, explained what the change looks like on the ground.

"You can see the center lane is now gone… it takes it down to the single lane," Ray said.

Ray said the construction is about preparing the corridor for what is coming.

"We're building out for those future expansions for the commercial and business and residential as it comes along this corridor here," Ray said.

Once complete, the finished road will also include protected turn lanes, new street lighting, a 10-foot multi-use path and a six-foot sidewalk.

Charlotte County says the project remains on schedule, with completion expected in October 2027.