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Rebuilding South Florida Avenue through Lakeland’s Dixieland neighborhood is expected to take more than three years, with construction potentially beginning in mid-2027. The $26.3 million project will replace temporary concrete barriers that have frustrated motorists since 2020.
The so-called “permanent redesign” involves more than repaving, explained Lakeland Civil Engineering Manager Ryan Lazenby at an Oct. 16 City Commission workshop. Crews must rebuild drainage, traffic signals, and much of the roadway while relocating utilities. The work must be done in stages to keep drivers moving through the busy corridor.
Lazenby estimated that rebuilding the 1.03-mile stretch between Ariana and Lime streets will take approximately 1,200 days.
With a reported 25,000 vehicles using the corridor daily, “We’ve got to keep them moving through there while we’re in construction,” Lazenby told commissioners.
Chuck Barmby, Lakeland’s urban planning and transportation manager, confirmed to LkldNow that one lane in each direction will generally remain open. However, occasional lane or full-road closures may be necessary, subject to approval by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
“Every attempt will be made to schedule these closures for days or times with lower traffic volumes within the corridor,” Barmby said.
Why will construction take so long?
The reconstruction involves State Road 37, an FDOT highway. Lakeland is managing its design and construction under an agreement with the state, intended to accelerate the improvements.
“We’re reconstructing every system that’s out there,” Lazenby said.
Replacement water lines must be put into service before existing ones are removed, adding time to an already complex project. Some nighttime construction is anticipated, with restrictions near residential areas.
Designs were 90% complete in September, with final plans due in December and bidding expected in April 2027. Lazenby said engineers shortened the original construction estimate by roughly 200 days in an effort to limit disruptions. Contractors could face financial penalties for delays.
FDOT’s estimated contribution is $16.7 million for roadway improvements. Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency is expected to provide $4.1 million for streetscape features, while the city’s water utility estimates spending $5.5 million on water and sewer systems.
What is a ‘road diet’?
A “road diet” reduces vehicle lanes to improve safety and create space for pedestrians, cyclists, and landscaping. South Florida Avenue’s five lanes were reduced to three, including a center turn lane, during a pilot project launched in 2020.
The experiment followed years of planning and addressed safety concerns about traffic lanes measuring just eight-and-a-half feet, narrower than the state’s 11-foot standard. Temporary concrete barriers have remained as the permanent redesign advanced.
Six years later, the road diet remains controversial. Critics argue that removing lanes creates congestion along a major north-south route. During a September interview about the proposed Memorial Boulevard road diet, City Commissioner Guy LaLonde cited South Florida Avenue as a cautionary example.
“We’ve already seen how successful the road diet is. Not very successful,” LaLonde told LkldNow.
Supporters say safer crossings, wider sidewalks, and slower traffic are worthwhile improvements for Dixieland. A city analysis comparing 2020 and 2022 found average afternoon rush-hour travel times increased by 14 seconds northbound and 72 seconds southbound.
Traffic disruptions and business access
Commissioners raised concerns about how years of construction could affect Dixieland businesses, including Born & Bread Bakehouse at 1113 S. Florida Ave. Temporary barriers will guide pedestrians around construction zones.
“We will maintain pedestrian access to every one of those storefronts throughout construction,” Lazenby said.
Barmby confirmed a public meeting will be scheduled before construction, once a contractor is selected and the traffic-management plan is approved by the city and FDOT.
Lazenby also proposed sharing contractors’ two-week work schedules with businesses to help them anticipate disruptions. City staff have already met with merchants facing proposed driveway changes, he said.
When construction is complete, the corridor will retain three lanes but have wider sidewalks, trees, decorative lighting, improved traffic signals, and additional pedestrian crossings, including a flashing-beacon crossing near the popular bakery.
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