The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, Nov. 16, 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 in June 2025. This project includes the installation of pedestrian/bicycle detection systems, conduits and electrical components, and connection to bridge tender buildings.

• Bridge work is anticipated to take three to four weeks to complete construction.

• 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 construction is in November 2025.

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.

• 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 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 9 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 two weeks.

S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from NW 36th St to NE 120th St: (Construction project) Crews are performing milling and resurfacing operations along S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from the Martin County Line to SE 30th Terrace. Work will occur during both daytime and nighttime hours.

• Northbound and southbound lane closures will occur during daytime and nighttime, with traffic reduced to one lane as needed, from NW 36th Street to NE 120th Street. Both lanes will not be closed simultaneously.

Nighttime operations (from 7:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.): Lane closures will take place from NW 3rd Street to NW 36th Street to perform pavement marking operations.

• 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.

The estimated remaining duration of activities is four weeks.

S.R. 15/U.S. 441 at SE 28th Street: (Construction project) Crews will be performing curb ramp replacements and installing sidewalk, curb, and gutter.

• Daytime turning lane closures will occur along U.S. 441 at S.E. 28th Street to accommodate construction activities.

• Turning lane closures will take place along U.S. 441 at SE 28th Street during daytime hours.

• 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 operations will take place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• Intermittent lane closures will occur throughout the project limits during work hours. Starting November 18, motorists can expect lane closures along north and southbound S.R. 15 (U.S. 441).

• 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.

The estimated remaining duration of activities is six weeks.

S.R. 15/U.S. 441 from Martin County Line to SE 30th Terrace: (Construction project) Crews 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.

• North and southbound lane closures will take place during daytime with traffic being reduced to one lane as needed. North and southbound lanes will not be closed simultaneously.

• Milling and asphalt operations will be in place throughout the project corridor.

• 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 five weeks.

Overall project completion is expected in summer 2026.

S.R. 78 from Lemkin Creek to S.R. 15/U.S. 98: (Construction project) Crews will perform milling and resurfacing operations along S.R. 78 from Lemkin Creek to S.R. 15/U.S. 98 beginning Monday, September 20, 2025. Work will take place during daytime hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Intermittent northbound or southbound lane closures will occur during daytime, with traffic reduced to one lane as needed. Northbound and southbound lanes will not be closed simultaneously.

• Nighttime operations will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. at the intersection of Parrot Avenue and S.R. 78 for milling, resurfacing, and pavement marking activities.

• Milling and asphalt paving operations will take place throughout the project corridor. Motorists should be aware of changing traffic patterns, heavy equipment, and workers in the construction zone.

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

Estimated project completion is early 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.