PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is excited to begin a series of improvements to U.S. 301 (State Road (S.R.) 35) in Sumter County through the state’s Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative (www.fdot.gov/movingfloridaforward).

These three projects will provide additional capacity, improve traffic operations, and enhance safety for all users along this vital corridor, and realign a portion of U.S. 301 around the City of Coleman. The first of three projects will widen U.S. 301 from two to four lanes between Florida’s Turnpike and County Road (C.R.) 470.

This first project will realign U.S. 301 by adding a new two-mile section from Industrial Park Drive to C.R. 468 (Warm Springs Avenue). In addition, improvements to the Florida’s Turnpike interchange are underway to help reduce congestion.

Construction will be done in two phases:

Phase One: Beginning in fall 2025, one through lane will be added in each direction under the Florida’s Turnpike bridge, and southbound turn lane capacity will be increased. Anticipated phase completion is spring 2026.

Phase Two: Beginning spring 2026, FDOT will build a new roadway, with two travel lanes in each direction separated by a grassed median, around the east side of the City of Coleman. This construction will realign U.S. 301 between Industrial Park Drive and C.R. 468. The anticipated phase completion is late 2027. However, the road will not open until two other segments are completed.

PROJECTS TWO AND THREE

The second segment (430132-2) will widen U.S. 301 from C.R. 470 to Industrial Park Drive. Construction on that segment is expected to begin in summer 2027. The last segment (430132-5) will complete the widening from Warm Springs Avenue to Florida’s Turnpike. Construction on this final segment is expected to begin in fall 2027.

Both projects are scheduled to begin in 2027, with anticipated completion in 2030.

When all three projects are complete, U.S. 301 will feature two travel lanes in each direction, separated by a raised median. The corridor will also include 12-foot shared-use paths on both sides of the roadway to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. New traffic signals will be installed at Industrial Park Drive (also known as the Coleman Connector) and Warm Springs Avenue, and a roundabout will be constructed at Marsh Bend Trail to enhance traffic flow and improve safety.

WHAT TO EXPECT

During construction, motorists can expect intermittent single lane closures during active work hours, primarily overnight. Electronic message boards and other signage will direct traffic through the work zone when closures are in effect. FDOT encourages all drivers to use caution, remain alert, and follow posted detour signs.

Please be aware that construction activity and noise levels may vary throughout different phases of the project. Motorists should also anticipate areas of uneven pavement within the project limits, as this is a common condition during resurfacing projects when

the contractor applies multiple asphalt layers in phases. These roadway conditions are temporary and gradually improve as the project progresses.

The construction schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. For the latest project updates and lane closure information, please visit FDOT’s Central Florida website at www.cflroads.com.

The FDOT will hold a project open house on Wednesday, October 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood, FL 34785. Attendees will have an opportunity to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions.

To provide additional flexibility for stakeholders, the FDOT is also offering online opportunities to get involved:

• Join an online webinar at 5:30 p.m. to watch a project presentation and submit written questions or comments using the webinar questions box.  To attend using this option, register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2778878650327044693. Please make sure to provide adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.
• Visit the project web pages at your convenience to watch the project presentation, view project exhibits, and submit comments and questions directly to the project manager. Project materials will be available beginning Wednesday, October 29, and will be the same as what will be shared at the in-person open house. While the information will remain on the website throughout the project, please provide comments or questions by November 10, 2025, to have the comments included in the open house record.