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442027-2 SR 31 from Bayshore Road (SR 78) to Horseshoe Road/Lake Babcock Drive
Roadwatch UpdateProject Details
About
Project Description
On May 26, 2021, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) approved the SR 31 State Environmental Impact Report for SR 31 from SR 78 (Bayshore Road) to Cook Brown Road in Lee and Charlotte Counties. This project has now proceeded to the next phase of development.
The Babcock Ranch Community Independent Special District (ISD), in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is implementing roadway improvements along State Road 31. The project corridor extends from State Road 78 (Bayshore Road) to Lake Babcock Drive, spanning portions of Lee County and Charlotte County. These improvements are intended to enhance traffic flow, increase roadway capacity, and improve overall safety for motorists, pedestrians, and nearby communities. The project will construct a new four-lane roadway located east of the current State Road 31 alignment. This new roadway will connect to the existing two-lane road at both ends of the project limits.
Intersection improvements are a key component of the project. Roundabouts will be constructed at the intersections of Shirley Lane, Fox Hill Road, and Lake Babcock Drive to improve traffic operations and reduce conflict points between vehicles. New traffic signals will be installed at several locations along State Road 31. These include the intersection of State Road 31 and State Road 78 (Bayshore Road), State Road 31 and Saw Palmetto Parkway/Busbee Lane, and State Road 31 and Cypress Parkway.
The intersection of State Road 31 and North River Road (County Road 78) will feature a Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT), an alternative intersection with a proven safety-focused design. With an RCUT, all traffic from County Road 78 will turn right onto State Road 31 when entering the intersection. Drivers wishing to travel straight across or head southbound on State Road 31 will use a nearby, designated U-turn to safely continue in their desired direction. Traffic signals will be installed both north and south of the intersection to support these U-turn movements and ensure smooth traffic flow. A similar configuration with signals north and south of the intersection will also be implemented at Saw Palmetto Parkway/Busbee Lane to support safe U-turn movements.
In addition to roadway and intersection upgrades, the project will include a brand-new drainage system, with capacity for future improvements, to better manage stormwater, installation of roadway lighting at each intersection to increase nighttime visibility, and the addition of two shared-use paths to enhance safety and accessibility for non-motorized users.
State Road 31 improvements are designed to enhance traffic efficiency, improve safety through modern intersection design, maintain property access where needed, and support the continued growth and development of communities in Lee and Charlotte Counties.
Babcock Ranch Community ISD will manage the design-build project, including both the design and construction phases, with FDOT oversight. FDOT will administer right-of-way acquisition, as well as Construction Engineering Inspection.
Public Involvement
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) held an in-person Public Information Meeting for the State Road (SR) 31 (Babcock Ranch Rd) from south of SR-78 to North of Lake Babcock Drive in Lee and Charlotte Counties on May 23, 2024, at The Field House at Babcock Ranch. All project displays and exhibits from the meeting can be viewed below in the project documents section.
FAQs
Work By Others:
Please be advised that the bridge deck repairs operations on the Wilson Pigott Bridge are independent of the SR 31 Babcock Ranch project and are being performed under a separate contract.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions can be viewed in the documents section below.
Contact Information
RoadWatch
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- Monday, March 16, 2026, construction began on the roundabout at Babcock Road/S.R. 31 and Lake Babcock Drive.
- The contractor will temporarily close Lake Babcock Drive to construct the planned roundabout at the intersection. During this closure, drivers will need to enter and exit Babcock Ranch via detours using Cypress Parkway, Greenway Boulevard, and Saw Palmetto Parkway.
- This temporary closure is expected to remain in place through July.
- Beginning the week of February 2, motorists should expect reduced speeds along Babcock Ranch Road/S.R. 31 as the contractor initiates construction activities for the planned roundabout at Lake Babcock Drive. These operations will be conducted during the daytime and nighttime/overnight hours.
- As always, changing traffic patterns can cause confusion among motorists. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution, stay alert, and follow all posted regulatory signage while driving through the construction zone. We will continue to keep you updated regarding any changes to the traffic pattern.
- Monday, March 16, 2026, construction began on the roundabout at Babcock Road/S.R. 31 and Lake Babcock Drive.
