Florida Department of Transportation officials are closing two lanes of westbound Interstate 4 tonight through Friday morning near exit 38 — the Polk City exit — in order to fill a “roadway depression.”

The center and inside lanes will be closed beginning at 8 p.m. The outside lanes and shoulders will remain open for commuters.

“The depression in the roadway was caused by a utility bore performed in August,” FDOT spokeswoman Janella Newsome wrote in a press release. “FDOT appreciates your patience as we work to ensure the safety and functionality of the roadway.”

Newsome said a utility bore is “usually a hole drilled to run piping through.” The utility company will conduct a ground penetration radar scan of the area to address the issue and determine the best course of action to fill the void beneath the road, she said.

Delays are expected during the work period. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes or plan for extra travel time.

Drivers can call 511 or visit www.fl511.com  for real-time updates.

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Kimberly C. Moore, who grew up in Lakeland, has been a print, broadcast and multimedia journalist for more than 30 years. Before coming to LkldNow in the spring of 2022, she was a reporter for four years with The Ledger, first covering Lakeland City Hall and then Polk County schools. She is the author of “Star Crossed: The Story of Astronaut Lisa Nowak," published by University Press of Florida. Reach her at kimberly@lkldnow.com or 863-272-9250.

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