Road Improvement Projects Underway on Florida Keys Overseas Highway

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has begun two roadway projects in separate areas of the Overseas Highway. Both projects are expected to continue through summer 2023.

Roadway areas affected include mile marker (MM) 73.8 to 77.5 in Islamorada, and in the Lower Keys, MM 31.4 to 32.5, and 32.9 to 36.5. 

During these construction periods, motorists are asked to allow extra time to reach destinations, obey posted signs and observe modified speed limits within work zones.

PROJECT #1: MM 73.8 to 77.5, Lower Matecumbe Key 

Scheduled Lane Closures: 

Sunday through Thursday, 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. No work is to be performed after 5:30 a.m. Friday through 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

Project scope through summer 2023:

• Raising the roadway and shoulders from approximately MM 73.8 to MM 77.5

• Installing drainage systems

• Tying new roadway into the shoreline protection system along Sea Oats Beach 

• Adding a guardrail system 

• Upgrading roadway signage 

• Upgrading bicycle features at shared-use path crossing locations 

• Upgrading thermoplastic pavement markings from MM 70 to MM 80

• Repaving and restriping the roadway and shoulders

PROJECT #2: MM 31.4 to 32.5 • MM 32.9 to 36.5,  Big Pine Key, Scout Key, Bahia Honda Key 

Bridge work at Spanish Harbor Channel and Bahia Honda Channel bridges is to be done during daytime and nighttime hours with lane shifts. 

Four-Lane Section at Bahia Honda Channel Bridge: 

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, northbound (NB) and southbound (SB) 

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, NB only 

9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, NB and SB 

2-Lane Sections: 

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, NB and SB 

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, NB only 

9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, NB and SB

 

Project scope, through spring 2023:

MM 31.4 to 32.5

• Partial pavement reconstruction, shoulder widening, signage and markings in Big Pine Key 

• Replacing Key Deer grating in Big Pine Key at Wildlife Crossing (MM 31.5) 

• Installing pedestrian/bicyclist railings 

• Repairing concrete along bridge railings

MM 32.9 to 36.5

• Replacing guardrail and performing roadway shoulder repairs 

• Pavement markings and signage along the corridor

 

Work schedules could change due to bad weather or other unexpected conditions. 

More project information can be found on the FDOT website.

 

Looking to the southwest above Lower Matecumbe Key in Islamorada. Image credit: Google Earth

Looking to the southwest above Lower Matecumbe Key in Islamorada. Image credit: Google Earth

FDOT graphic

FDOT graphic

FDOT graphic

FDOT graphic

This article was updated on April 24, 2023 at 9:40 AM
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