Area Road Detours, Headaches Continue

Several area construction projects continue to affect traffic circulation in southern and eastern Polk County.

A four-block stretch of State Road 17 (Scenic Highway) remains closed in Lake Wales at Hillcrest Avenue, forcing traffic from the state road onto the city's 4th Street in front of McLaughlin Middle-High School adding to school-hour traffic and congestion there. The project, begun in June, was announced as a 30-day effort to correct drainage Issues adjacent to Lake Serena. The suggested completion date is now "Late 2024."

A delay in obtaining permits and design approvals for work at the intersection of East Park Avenue and Scenic Highway is reportedly to cause of work hold-ups in the Lake Wales Connected reconstruction project for the street. The designs, which call for a narrowing of the street to ease pedestrian crossings from adjacent parking lots, have been before Florida Department of Transportation engineers for months, but have seen multiple revisions, according to sources. The delay in having a significant impact upon businesses in the area, and frustration for contractors and city officials.

The closure of H.L. Smith Road just north of Lake Mabel Loop Road in Dundee has been extended until mid-October due to "unforeseen conditions requiring plan revisions and causing delays in state regulatory approvals," according to the Polk County Roads and Drainage Division. Lack of the approval has "postponed installation of underground utilities and related road reconstruction for a new residential subdivision."

As a result of that delay, the county will continue to detour traffic along Lake Swan Road or Lake Mabel Loop Road to Lake Trask Road to bypass work zone. Access to local residences is unaffected.

County officials suggested that "minor delays are possible, especially with peak-hour traffic along Lake Trask Road at Dundee Ridge Academy during student drop-offs and pickups. "

A project to replace the County Line Road bridge over the Peace River at the border of Hardee County includes two 12-foot lanes with additional eight-foot shoulders. This week crews are working to continue the demolition of the existing bridge. Motorists are asked to follow posted detours.

• Eastbound: Head north or south on US 17 to Hardee Street and east on Hardee Street to Lake Branch Road. Head southeast on Lake Branch Road to Platt Road and head north back to County Line Road.

• Westbound: Head east or west on County Line Road to Platt Road. Head south on Platt Road to Lake Branch Road and head west to Hardee Street. Turn left (west) on Hardee Street to US 17. Turn right (north) on US 17 back to County Line Road.

Commuters are remain advised to drive with caution around all detour areas, be alert to detour signs, and to add extra drive time to trips.

For more details, contact the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at (863) 535-2200.