3-minute read
The ongoing discussions surrounding Lakeland’s South Florida Avenue road diet have reached an exciting point, as the project is now 60% complete in its design phase. Construction is anticipated to commence in spring 2027.
On February 13, city officials unveiled new renderings depicting the future of the corridor stretching from Ariana Street to Lime Street.
For the first time, the updated design introduces a mid-block pedestrian crossing between Belmar Street and Park Street, close to the Born & Bread Bakehouse. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has approved this crossing to facilitate safer pedestrian movement in one of the most heavily trafficked areas of State Road 37, as confirmed by Civil Engineering Manager Ryan Lazenby.
A Long Wait for the Payoff
To many drivers, South Florida Avenue may appear unchanged, still lined with concrete barriers from 2020. Over the past six years, motorists have faced the inconveniences associated with this road diet, yet the expected benefits have yet to materialize.
The latest renderings, enhanced through drone technology, showcase wide sidewalks complemented by brick ribbons, historic-style streetlights, and shade trees. Officials hope these elements will create a seamless transition from the Dixieland area to downtown.
“Our design includes a few strategic spots reserved for potential public art installations, should the city choose to proceed with that,” Lazenby remarked.
What Drivers Can Expect During Construction
Commissioner Mike Musick inquired about traffic management once construction begins.
Lazenby explained that the work would be executed in phases, focusing on measures such as “one lane at a time,” similar to the approach taken on Lakeland Hills Boulevard. Certain left turns may be restricted in specific areas to maintain traffic flow.
This means drivers can expect increased rush-hour delays and backups, at least temporarily, as the corridor transitions from its current pilot setup to the final design.
Busy Behind the Scenes
Lazenby informed city commissioners that significant progress is being made behind the scenes, including pavement engineering, right-of-way acquisitions, and multiple rounds of reviews from the FDOT.
According to Lazenby, if the current timeline is met:
- Design completion is expected to reach 90% by July 20, 2026.
- The design will be fully completed by December 31, 2026.
- The project will be set to go out to bid in February 2027, with construction beginning shortly after.
He added that crews have marked the corridor with paint and have drilled over 100 test holes to locate underground utilities, getting ready for the upcoming construction.
Price Tag and Funding Sources
Lazenby pointed out that the realignment of the road stemmed primarily from safety concerns. South Florida Avenue was identified as a “high-crash corridor,” featuring 8½-foot lanes instead of the standard 11-foot lanes, along with non-ADA-compliant sidewalks that forced pedestrians too close to vehicular traffic.
The city is investing approximately $5 million for additional features, such as upgraded sidewalks and landscaping that go beyond typical FDOT project standards. The state’s contribution toward construction amounts to $22.6 million.
In total, FDOT has allocated $27.6 million for the project within its fiscal 2027 work program, according to Lazenby.
