City of Lakeland plans $26.3 million permanent redesign for South Florida Avenue

Drivers and local business owners along a one-mile commercial corridor face multi-year construction disruptions, lane closures, and altered traffic patterns backed by $26.3 million in city, state, and utility funding.

• •The City of Lakeland has scheduled a $26.3 million permanent redesign project for South Florida Avenue to begin construction in mid-2027.
• •The construction period is estimated to take about three and a half years to complete.
• •The project rebuilds approximately one mile of roadway through the Dixieland neighborhood.
• •The design maintains the three-lane road diet configuration established during a 2020 pilot project, keeping a center turn lane.
• •The project addresses over 1,200 utility conflicts, including upgrades to stormwater systems and water utilities infrastructure.
• •Funding is expected to come from the Florida Department of Transportation, Lakeland's water utility, and the city's Community Redevelopment Agency.
• •Final design plans are scheduled for completion by December, with contractor bids anticipated in April 2027.
• •The city plans to keep one lane open in each direction during most of construction while encouraging drivers to use parallel roads.
• •Enhancements include wider sidewalks, shade trees, historic-style lighting, and more dedicated pedestrian crossings.
• •The city intends to hold a public meeting before construction starts to outline the traffic-management plan.