The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is conducting the State Road 29 (SR 29) LaBelle Bypass Feasibility Study in Hendry and Glades Counties. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of constructing an alternative corridor for SR 29 that would bypass the City of LaBelle, Florida, within an approximate 10-mile radius. This evaluation is critical due to traffic congestion and safety concerns associated with the current route that runs through LaBelle. The no-build alternative, where no improvements other than routine maintenance are made to SR 29, will remain viable throughout the remainder of this study.

SR 29 is a significant roadway in Florida, facilitating local and regional traffic. The existing infrastructure includes four major bridges: the SR 29 LaBelle Draw Bridge, the Fort Denaud Swing Bridge located approximately 4.5 miles to the west, the Lee County Alva Draw Bridge located approximately 11.2 miles to the west, and the Moore Haven Bridge situated about 22 miles to the east. The proximity of these bridges will play a crucial role in determining potential routes for the new corridor. The study will explore various routing options that could effectively bypass LaBelle while connecting key points along SR 29. Each option will be evaluated based on criteria such as travel efficiency, safety improvements, cost implications, environmental sustainability, and public perception. This project represents a proactive approach to addressing transportation challenges in the region while considering community needs and environmental stewardship.

The primary objectives of this feasibility study include:

1. Traffic Analysis: Assessing current traffic patterns on SR 29 and identifying congestion points within LaBelle.
2. Environmental Impact Assessment: Evaluating potential environmental impacts associated with constructing a new corridor, including effects on local ecosystems and wildlife.
3. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Estimating construction costs versus potential benefits such as reduced travel times, improved safety, and economic impacts on LaBelle.
4. Community Engagement: Gathering input from local stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and government entities, to understand community needs and concerns regarding the proposed bypass.

The anticipated outcomes of this feasibility study include:

1. A comprehensive report detailing viable alternatives for bypassing LaBelle.
2. Enhanced understanding among stakeholders regarding the implications of constructing an alternative corridor.

Project information was disseminated at the below various events where the project team was present to address inquiries and collect feedback from the public:

LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation (LDRC)_Downtown Outdoor Saturday Market - 461 N Main Street - Saturday, February 1, 2025

Swamp Cabbage Festival - 8 Park Avenue - Saturday, February 22, 2025

Stakeholder Meeting #1 - 481 Hickpochee Avenue - Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Stakeholder Meeting #2 - 481 Hickpochee Avenue - Wednesday, May 7, 2025

• Alternatives Public Meeting - In-Person Option

  Date: Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
  Start Time: 5:00 pm
  End Time: 6:30 pm

  Alternatives public meetings scheduled for SR 29 LaBelle Bypass Feasibility Study, FPID 453578-1, Glades & Hendry County.

  The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to an alternatives public meeting for the SR 29 LaBelle Bypass Feasibility Study in Glades & Hendry County.

  IN-PERSON OPTION:

  Wednesday, October 1

  Anytime between 5 -6:30 p.m.

  LaBelle Civic Center  

  481 Hickpochee Avenue

  LaBelle, FL 33925

  There will be no formal presentation and the project team will be available for discussion.

   

  LIVE ONLINE OPTION:

  Register in advance: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3783313307969449307

  Thursday, October 2

  5 p.m.

  This event will include the same information shown at the in-person event and give the public an opportunity to ask questions to the project team. Please review the materials on project webpage before attending (www.SWFLROADS.com/project/453578-1). Materials will be posted by September 29.

   

  The alternatives public meeting is being conducted to present information about the preliminary alternatives and provides the opportunity for the public to express their views about the project. The same materials will be displayed at both the online and in-person events.

   

  If you are unable to attend the meeting, comments can also be provided through the project webpage (www.SWFLROADS.com/project/453578-1) or by email (Vitor.Suguri@dot.state.fl.us) or mail (FDOT District One, Attn: Vitor Suguri, 801 N. Broadway Ave. MS 1-40, Bartow, FL 33830). While comments about the project are accepted at any time, they must be received or postmarked by October 15, to be included in the formal record. Questions can be answered by calling the FDOT project manager Vitor Suguri at (239) 225-1959.

  The Florida Department of Transportation may adopt this planning product into the environmental review process, pursuant to Title 23 U.S.C. § 168(d)(4), or to the state project development process.

  FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2287, or email at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us  at least seven days prior to the meeting.

  The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022 and executed by FHWA and FDOT.

• Alternatives Public Meeting - Live Online Option

  Date: Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
  Start Time: 5:00 pm
  End Time: 6:00 pm

  Alternatives public meetings scheduled for SR 29 LaBelle Bypass Feasibility Study, FPID 453578-1, Glades & Hendry County.

  The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to an alternatives public meeting for the SR 29 LaBelle Bypass Feasibility Study in Glades & Hendry County.

  IN-PERSON OPTION:

  Wednesday, October 1

  Anytime between 5 -6:30 p.m.

  LaBelle Civic Center  

  481 Hickpochee Avenue

  LaBelle, FL 33925

  There will be no formal presentation and the project team will be available for discussion.

   

  LIVE ONLINE OPTION:

  Register in advance: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3783313307969449307

  Thursday, October 2

  5 p.m.

  This event will include the same information shown at the in-person event and give the public an opportunity to ask questions to the project team. Please review the materials on project webpage before attending (www.SWFLROADS.com/project/453578-1). Materials will be posted by September 29.

   

  The alternatives public meeting is being conducted to present information about the preliminary alternatives and provides the opportunity for the public to express their views about the project. The same materials will be displayed at both the online and in-person events.

   

  If you are unable to attend the meeting, comments can also be provided through the project webpage (www.SWFLROADS.com/project/453578-1) or by email (Vitor.Suguri@dot.state.fl.us) or mail (FDOT District One, Attn: Vitor Suguri, 801 N. Broadway Ave. MS 1-40, Bartow, FL 33830). While comments about the project are accepted at any time, they must be received or postmarked by October 15, to be included in the formal record. Questions can be answered by calling the FDOT project manager Vitor Suguri at (239) 225-1959.

  The Florida Department of Transportation may adopt this planning product into the environmental review process, pursuant to Title 23 U.S.C. § 168(d)(4), or to the state project development process.

  FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2287, or email at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us  at least seven days prior to the meeting.

  The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022 and executed by FHWA and FDOT.