US 27 Resurfacing May Disrupt Traffic in Coming Months

A major resurfacing project is expected to disrupt traffic flow on US 27 during the coming months as contractors undertake improvements to about seven miles of the six-lane thoroughfare stretching from Waverly Road in Lake Wales north to Kokomo Road in Lake Hamilton.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the project involves removing and replacing the asphalt roadway surface, as well as reworking shoulders. The project also includes widening and adding a new signal at Kokomo Road.

Motorists are asked to watch for daytime single lane closures northbound as crews continue shoulder and guardrail work. Use caution and be prepared to merge.

Meanwhile, construction is progressing according to schedule on the $45 million reconstruction of the intersection of US 27 and SR 60 in Lake Wales. That project includes a redesign of the interchange from a partial cloverleaf to a Single Point Urban Interchange. The work is projected to be complete in little more than a year.

Other improvements included in the project include widening both roadways from four lanes to six 11-foot lanes through the intersection.

The completed project will feature curbs and gutters and, a closed drainage system that will replace the former open swales.

Six-foot sidewalks and bicycle lanes are also being added, along with new lighting and landscaping.

Crews have completed the new bridge spans and urban frontage road in the southwest quadrant along SR 60 that provides access to local businesses. A noise wall along SR 60 from South Miami Street to west of Sharp Street is nearing completion.

Coming work includes resurfacing Central Avenue from west of US 27 to Miami Street, signage and new permanent pavement markings on both roads. Newly-installed traffic signals will be activated once all lane construction has been completed.

Motorists won't have much time to enjoy the new intersection before work begins on the widening of US 27 south of the intersection. That effort will include the entire stretch of the highway to the Highlands County Line, about 20 miles. The work will be done in several phases along different stretches of the highway.