BARTOW, Fla. – State Road 31 is closed from State Road 80 to State Road 78 in both directions. Crews are repairing a main water and gas line that was punctured around 2:30 a.m., Wed., June 7.  A consultant for the Florida Department of Transportation was collecting soil samples for a future project and accidentally hit the line. The consultant was not injured and there are no reports of injuries. Details about that future project can be found on our website at: https://www.swflroads.com/admin/project-view.php?project_id=124

Construction and emergency crews are on the scene making repairs. It could take three days or more to complete the repairs. In the meantime, FDOT is suggesting that motorists take the following alternate routes:

• Businesses and residents on the closed portion of State Road 31 will have to access State Road 31 from State Road 78.
• If headed north on State Road 31 from State Road 80, take State Road 80 to  I-75 north to State Road 78 and veer off to exit number 143 which will put you on State Road 78. Go east on State Road 78 until you get to State Road 31, then you can travel north on State Road 31.
• If headed south on State Road 31 to State Road 80, take State Road 78 west to I-75 south, then exit at State Road 80 and veer off to exit number 141.

Please expect traffic delays while the consulting company work on the repairs. Be sure and check FL511.com for up to the minute traffic information.

FDOT will provide updated information about this incident when it becomes available.