UPDATE: U.S. 301 closes in Wildwood for railroad work; city urges alternate route

Posted on 5.13.25 12:59 PM
Contributed"Road Closed" signs block access to the U.S. 301 railroad crossing in Wildwood on May 13, 2025, as FDOT crews remove tracks and begin repaving. City of Wildwood, FL

WILDWOOD, FL (352today.com) – U.S. 301/Main Street in Wildwood is now officially closed at Switcher Street as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) begins work to remove railroad tracks and repave the road. The closure began Tuesday morning, May 13, and is expected to continue through noon Friday, May 16.

While FDOT has posted an official detour, City of Wildwood officials are urging motorists to use Cleveland Avenue (C.R. 466A), Powell Road, and State Road 44 as an alternate route to avoid local school zones and minimize traffic in residential areas.

A street map of Wildwood, Florida, highlighting an alternate detour route in yellow around a road closure on U.S. 301 at Switcher Street. The detour follows Cleveland Avenue (C.R. 466A) east to Powell Road, then south to State Road 44, avoiding nearby school zones such as Wildwood Middle High School. The closed railroad crossing is marked with a red X.
The City of Wildwood suggests this detour. Courtesy: City of Wildwood

City officials emphasize that this is not a City of Wildwood or Sumter County project and direct all questions to FDOT. Motorists seeking more information can visit cflroads.com or call FDOT at 800-780-7102.

Construction workers use heavy equipment to remove wooden railroad ties from a crossing on U.S. 301 in Wildwood, Florida, with traffic signals and warning gates visible above the road.
Crews work to remove railroad ties at the U.S. 301 crossing near Switcher Street in Wildwood on May 13, 2025, as part of an FDOT road project. Courtesy: City of Wildwood

The city and FDOT continue to encourage drivers to follow posted detour signs, remain alert, and use caution when traveling near active construction zones.