The project consists of Safety Improvements for SR 70 from US 98 to west of 8th Ave along an east/west corridor located in the western portion of the City of Okeechobee, Florida in Okeechobee County. The recommended improvements emerged from a combination of an Access Management Study (2020) and a Corridor Safety Analysis (2022) which evaluated the corridor’s operations, crash history, and existing conditions. These improvements include implementing a raised median and a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) to enhance pedestrian safety. 

SR 70 is a two-way, five-lane urban principle arterial with a center two-way left turn lane (TWLTL), undesignated bike lanes with keyholes, and a closed drainage system. Sidewalks exist on the north and south sides of the roadway. Overhead transmissions utility poles are present on the south side of the roadway from US 98 to NW 12th Ave. Corridor lighting exists on the north side of SR 70. The existing right-of-way (ROW) width varies along SR 70 from 102.5-ft to 87-ft wide. The posted speed on SR 70 is 45 mph.

Public involvement for this project is anticipated to begin in Fall of 2025.