The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, July 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 U.S. 441/U.S. 98 (S.R. 700) Taylor Creek Bridge in Okeechobee County. Construction began on Sunday, June 22, 2026. 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
• 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

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

NW 9th Avenue at the CSX Railroad Crossing between NW 9th Street and NW 7th Street (Okeechobee):  (Maintenance project) CSX Transportation will perform emergency railroad crossing repairs, requiring a temporary closure of the crossing to through traffic.

• The railroad crossing will be closed to all through traffic from approximately 7 a.m. Thursday, July 16, through Saturday, July 18, 2026.

• Operations will take place on the shoulder adjacent to the
• A signed detour will be in place utilizing NW 6th Street, NW 36th Avenue, and NW 9th Street. Local traffic will have access up to the closure.
• Motorists should expect delays, allow extra travel time, follow posted detour signage, and use caution while traveling through the area.

S.R. 70 (U.S. 98) from NW 16th Boulevard to NW 18th Street: (Permit project) Crews will install a wood utility pole on the east shoulder of S.R. 700 near NW 18th Street.

• Work is scheduled June 29 through July 3, 2026, from 9 m. to 4 p.m. daily.
• Operations will take place on the shoulder adjacent to the
• Motorists should use caution while traveling through the area and watch for workers and equipment near the roadway.
• 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.
• Work is expected to continue through July 31, 2026, if needed.

S.R. 70 from SW 87th Terrace to SW 85th Avenue:  (Permit project) Crews will replace damaged FPL utility poles along the corridor.

• Work will take place daily from 9 a.m. to 4 m., July 13–17, 2026.
• Intermittent lane closures will occur during work
• Motorists should expect possible delays and use caution while traveling through the work zone.
• Drivers are urged to follow posted signage and watch for workers and equipment in the area.
• Work is expected to continue through August 14, 2026, if needed.

S.R. 15 from SE 138th Avenue to SE 128th Boulevard: (Permit project) Crews will perform overhead pole hardening operations along the corridor.

• Work will take place daily from 9 m. to 4 p.m. July 6 – 10, 2026.
• Intermittent lane closures will occur during work
• 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.
• Work is expected to continue through July 31, 2026, if needed.

S.R. 15 from NE 208th Street to NE 224th Street: (Permit project) Crews will replace a damaged FPL utility pole along the corridor.

• Work is scheduled Monday, June 22, through Friday, June 26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Intermittent lane closures will occur during work
• Motorists should expect possible delays and use caution while traveling through the work zone.
• 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.
• Work is expected to continue through July 10, 2026, if needed.

S.R. 15 from SE 126th Boulevard to SE 138th Avenue: (Permit project) Motorists can expect lane closures on southbound and northbound S.R. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting on June 15 and continuing through June 26 so that crews can install poles and a span crossing S.R. 441. Expect delays and the presence of workers in the work area.

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.