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FDOT to install new signals, lighting and emergency preemption on U.S. 17; work to start in March
Summary
FDOT Heartland operations outlined a US 17 safety enhancement at a Hardee County BOC meeting: signals at the SR 62 intersection, lighting from REA Road to Maxwell Drive, ADA improvements, and emergency‑vehicle signal preemption. Work is scheduled to start March 12 with completion expected in 2026.
Florida Department of Transportation staff told the Hardee County Board of County Commissioners that a safety enhancement project on U.S. 17 will add traffic signals at State Road 62, new corridor lighting from REA Road to Maxwell Drive, ADA pedestrian improvements and updated signing and pavement markings.
“These two projects will go on at the same time,” said Dennis Day, FDOT construction manager, describing the work as a combined contract that will place new signal equipment and lighting along the corridor. FDOT said the contractor, Sun Civil (Tampa), is scheduled to mobilize before the planned March 12, 2026 start, and that the contract term is roughly 190 days with an anticipated completion in September 2026, weather permitting.
Why it matters: Commissioners and residents cited safety concerns at the SR 62 intersection and along the corridor. FDOT said the project will include signal preemption for emergency vehicles — allowing ambulances and fire apparatus an automatic green phase at the intersection — and pedestrian refuge islands that meet required pedestrian features.
FDOT told the board it will place about 27 signal faces throughout the corridor, add lighting at key intersections and install ADA pedestrian ramps and crosswalk refuges. The work is primarily off the travel lane and FDOT said it will post PCMS messages at least 14 days ahead of construction to notify the public.
“Most of the stuff we’re going to do is outside the travel roadway,” Day said. He acknowledged lane closures will be needed to place foundations for mast poles and other major work but said FDOT and the contractor have traffic‑management plans and will monitor backups and respond quickly.
Assistant County Manager Chris Sempreon and FDOT Heartland staff also told commissioners that FDOT will waive lighting maintenance for the poles it is installing in the fiscally constrained county and that the traffic signal will be maintained via the TSMC agreement, with FDOT providing funds for ongoing maintenance.
Commissioners urged FDOT to evaluate whether the posted speed limit near the intersection should be lowered and asked county staff to continue coordinating with the district. FDOT staff said they would hold a preconstruction meeting and continue coordination with county representatives.
The board was told the preconstruction meeting for county representatives will be scheduled next week and that the public will be notified of construction timing via changeable message signs and county outreach.
