The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, Feb. 22, 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.

• Nighttime lane closures will take place beginning Thursday, Feb. 12, and continue through the following week as crews perform construction activities.

• 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 from SW 23rd Street to SW 28th Street: (Permit project) Crews will be removing a driveway connection and modifying a drainage inlet and concrete curbing along S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from SW 23rd Street to SW 28th Street.

• Southbound lane closures will occur during daytime hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with traffic reduced to one lane as needed.

• Work will include drainage inlet adjustments and curbing modifications.

• Motorists should use caution, obey posted signage and flagging operations, and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.

The estimated remaining duration of activities is approximately six weeks.

S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from NW 36th St to NE 131st St Lane: (Construction project) Crews will perform pavement markings operations along the two-lanes section from NE 130th St to NE 131st St. These operations will be performed during the daytime.

• Daytime lane closures will occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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

• Drivers are urged to use caution, obey posted signage and flagging operations, and allow extra travel time.

• The estimated remaining duration of activities is four weeks.

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/US 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. 15/U.S. 441 from Martin County Line to SE 30th Terrace: (Construction project) will begin resurfacing work on S.R. 15 (U.S. 98) from SE 30th Terrace to the Martin County line. The project includes pavement resurfacing, grinding, new pavement markings, and shoulder treatment.

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

• Daytime lane closures will take place from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m.

• Additional pavement marking operations may occur throughout the corridor, and intermittent lane closures should be expected during work hours.

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

Estimated remaining duration of activities is two weeks.

S.R. 78 from Lemkin Creek to S.R. 15/U.S. 98: (Construction project) Crews are performing thermoplastic pavement marking operations along S.R. 78.

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

• Nighttime lane closures will take place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Estimated remaining duration of activities is two weeks.

Overall project completion is expected in summer 2026.

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.

• Nighttime flagging operations will occur from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, beginning Sunday night, January 25, through April 20, 2026.

• Motorists should expect possible delays and changing traffic patterns

• 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.