Motorists traveling through Lake Placid should prepare for another major phase of construction along U.S. 27 later this month as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) continues work on two separate highway improvement projects running through town.
According to FDOT, a temporary closure of Tower Street at U.S. 27 will begin May 26, 2026, and is expected to last approximately 21 days as part of ongoing Phase 4 construction activities tied to the intersection reconstruction project.
The closure is connected to FDOT project FPID 442765-1, which covers U.S. 27 from south of Tower Street to north of Tower Street. Crews are continuing roadway reconstruction, drainage work, curb installation, paving operations, median construction, and traffic improvements throughout the corridor. The overall project remains on schedule for completion in mid-2026.
FDOT stated the timing of the closure was intentionally scheduled after the school year ends to help reduce impacts on school-related traffic.
During the closure, crews will complete:
- Concrete pavement work at the Tower Street intersection
- Median construction
- Final paving operations
- Roadway tie-ins along U.S. 27
Drivers should expect detours and periodic daytime and nighttime lane closures throughout the project area.
A second FDOT project, FPID 446207-1, also remains active along U.S. 27 from Shoreline Drive to Davis and Gaines Road. The objective of the project is to extend the service life of the existing pavement and improve safety on S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) from Shoreline Drive to Davis & Gaines Road. The estimated completion date for this project is late 2026. The improvements include:
• Milling and resurfacing the existing pavement. Inside paved shoulders will be added in the medians.
• A separate design project for the Tower Street intersection will be constructed with this project. The intersection will be fully reconstructed with concrete pavement.
• Bicycle keyhole lanes will be constructed at the right turn lanes.
• Proposed sidewalk improvements to increase pedestrian connectivity.
• Proposed guardrail and traffic signal replacement to meet current standards.
• Modify median openings to improve safety and meet current requirements.
Three full median openings will be converted to directional openings and two openings will be closed:
Proposed directional median openings at C.R. 29, S. Main Ave., and Heartland Blvd.
Proposed median closures at Old SR 8, and South of Lake McCoy (no side street).