The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, March 8, 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 (Hendry County): Construction Project: The Florida Department of Transportation began installing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) at S.R. 29 (Bridge Street) Caloosahatchee River Bridge (Labelle) in Hendry County. 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. 29 from Oklahoma Avenue to Park Avenue: Construction project: Crews are performing drainage improvements, ditch reconstruction, pavement reconstruction, and other incidental construction activities along State Road 29 from Oklahoma Avenue to Park Avenue.

• Phase 2: Fort Thompson Avenue is closed between North Missouri Street and North Lee Street and will remain closed throughout this week. Pedestrian access has been shifted to Washington Avenue.
• Detour: Traffic will be routed along Washington Avenue, State Road 29 (Bridge Street), and Fort Thompson Avenue.
• Motorists should expect delays, follow posted detour signs, and use caution while traveling through the area.
• Drivers are urged to watch for workers, equipment, and changing traffic patterns in the construction zone.
• Estimated completion is the spring of 2026.

• S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) from Stitt Ranch to West of Flaghole Road: Construction project: Crews will begin milling and resurfacing work on S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) from Stitt Ranch to west of Flaghole Road in Hendry County. The project includes guardrail improvements, drainage enhancements, updated signage, and new pavement markings.

• Work is ongoing along the S.R. 25 (U.S. 27) corridor from Stitt Ranch to west of Flaghole Road. Crews are placing friction course asphalt, installing pavement markings, and completing sign installation, directional boring for conduit, and pull box installation.
• Motorists should anticipate single-lane closures in both eastbound and westbound directions for these ongoing construction activities.
• Drivers should use caution in the area and watch for workers and equipment in the construction zone.
• Estimated completion is the spring of 2026.

• S.R. 80 West of Murray Road (Bridge No. 070064): Repair construction: Crews will perform warranty repair work on Friday, March 20, 2026, in LaBelle, Hendry County.

• A single westbound lane closure will be in place on S.R. 80 (Lane 2) just west of Murray Road from 9 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m.
• Motorists should expect minor delays, use caution in the area, and watch for workers and equipment in the work zone.

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.