OKEECHOBEE COUNTY — The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, April 13, 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.

• US 441 at NE 50th Drive (Hillard Road): US 441 at NE 50th Drive (Hillard Road) (Permit project): Crews are constructing a temporary road connection to rebuild Hillard Road, including a new driveway connection and right-turn lane for the South Florida Water Management facility. Crews will continue installing the water main and force main piping along U.S. 441 North within the easements. This includes grade work, which will not impact traffic.

• From April 3 through April 22, 2025, road widening work will take place on the west side of US 441. During this time, motorists should expect daytime traffic shifts and intermittent lane closures on US 441 southbound to accommodate construction activities.
• Motorists should use caution and watch for workers in the work zones.

• US 441/North Parrott Avenue (SR 15) (Railroad signal project): CSX Transportation will perform signal-related construction, including the removal of the existing raised concrete median, on U.S. 441/N. Parrott Avenue beginning the week of April 14, 2025.

• Work is scheduled to begin the week of April 14, 2025, and continue for approximately six weeks.
• Signal construction is set to begin April 15, with jack and bore operations starting the week of April 21, 2025.
• Single-lane closures will be in place to facilitate both the removal and the future restoration of the median. The median will be restored to its original condition following the completion of CSX’s boring operations for the new cable installation.
• Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for workers, equipment, and signage.

• SR 70 From East of US 441 to Northeast 17th Avenue (Construction project): Crews will be working on milling and resurfacing, base work, drainage improvements, curb and gutter, guardrails, traffic signals, signage, pavement markings, lighting, and other incidental construction.

• Crews are performing final repairs and void repair operations, with crews and equipment on-site. Motorists are advised to follow posted signs, anticipate possible delays, and allow additional travel time or consider alternate routes during this work. Intermittent lane closures will be in place in both eastbound and westbound directions as work continues.
• Motorists should use caution and watch for workers in the work zones.
• Anticipated completion is early 2025.

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.