The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, April 19, provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Motorists are reminded to wear safety belts and drive with caution, courtesy, common sense, and patience as they travel through work zones. Remember, speeding fines are doubled in work zones.

Districtwide Movable Bridges (Okeechobee County): (Construction Project) The Florida Department of Transportation is installing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) at the US 41/US 98 (SR 700) Taylor Creek Bridge in Okeechobee County. Construction began on Sunday, June 22, 2025. This project includes the installation of pedestrian/bicycle detection systems, conduits and electrical components, and connection to bridge tender buildings.

• Testing will begin in early February 2026.

• Motorists are advised that there will be intermittent sidewalk and lane closures throughout the duration of construction.

• Motorists should expect lane closures during the nighttime/overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• Motorists are advised to use caution in the construction zone.

Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Estimated completion of testing is in late March 2026, weather permitting.

S.R. 70/700 (U.S. 98) from West of U.S. 98 to East of NW 5th Avenue: (Construction project) Crews will begin milling and resurfacing operations on S.R. 70/700 (U.S. 98) from west of U.S. 98 to east of NW 5th Avenue starting in October 2025. Work will include milling, resurfacing, and roadway restoration along the project corridor.

• Shoulder closures and intermittent lane closures may occur during construction. Motorists should expect possible traffic shifts and delays. Access to local driveways and businesses will be maintained at all times.

• Motorists should use caution, reduce speed, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

The estimated completion is early 2026.

S.R. 15/U.S. 441 at SE 28th Street: (Construction project) Crews are performing curb ramp replacements and installing sidewalk, curb, and gutter improvements at the intersection of S.R. 15/U.S. 441 and SE 28th Street.

• Daytime turning-lane closures will occur along U.S. 441 at SE 28th Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Motorists should be aware of changing traffic patterns, heavy equipment, and workers present in the construction zone. Use caution when traveling through the area and obey posted signage and flagging operations.

Estimated remaining duration of activities is six weeks.

S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from SW 23rd Street to SW 3rd Street: (Construction project) Crews will perform milling, resurfacing, and pavement marking operations along S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from SW 23rd Street to SW 3rd Street.

• Nighttime lane closures are expected from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• Motorists should be aware of changing traffic patterns, heavy equipment, and workers present in the construction zone.

• Use caution when traveling through the area and obey posted signage.

Estimated remaining duration of activities is four weeks.

S.R. 710 from North of SE 48th St to Martin County Line: (Construction project) Crews will begin milling and resurfacing operations along the project limits.

• Work will take place throughout the corridor and may include lane closures and traffic shifts as construction progresses.

• Intermittent nighttime flagging operations will occur from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Friday.

• Daytime shoulder closures will occur from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Motorists should expect possible delays and changing traffic patterns. Drivers are urged to use caution, follow posted signage, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

Estimated completion is summer 2026.

As a reminder, travelers can visit www.FL511.com or dial “511” from their phone to learn about traffic conditions on major roadways across the state.