Big Changes Coming to State Road 70 in Highlands County

Big Changes Coming to State Road 70 in Highlands County

If you’ve ever driven along State Road 70 between County Road 29 and Lonesome Island Road, you know it can feel a little tight with just two lanes handling all the traffic. That’s about to change in a big way.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has officially approved the design to widen this stretch of SR-70 into a four-lane divided highway. The project also includes paved shoulders and a shared use path for bicycles and pedestrians—something locals have been asking for to improve both safety and mobility.

Why This Matters

This upgrade isn’t just about adding lanes. It’s about:

• Reducing congestion during peak travel times.

• Improving safety with divided lanes and wider shoulders.

• Supporting growth in eastern Highlands County as new development continues.

• Adding connectivity for cyclists and walkers who currently have limited options on this road.

What’s Next

Construction isn’t starting immediately, but the design approval is a major milestone. FDOT’s green light means the project is moving from concept toward reality. As funding and timelines are finalized, we’ll learn more about when shovels will actually hit the ground.

This is a significant step forward for our local infrastructure—one that will reshape how residents, commuters, and visitors move across Highlands County.

✍️ I’m Matt Nelson, a local realtor here in Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid. I keep up with everything new and happening in our community—roads, development, and lifestyle—so you don’t have to.

📲 Thinking about buying, investing, building, or selling in Highlands County? Text Matt: 863-260-8436