Temporary Lane Closures on US 27 at Central Avenue Expected

The nearly five-year, The $45 million construction project to reconstruct the intersection of US 27 and SR 60 in Lake Wales is progressing as crews prepare to resurface a stretch of West Central Avenue that has been disrupted during the process.

Motorists should expect a northbound lane closure on US 27 near Central Avenue, according the the Florida Department of Transportation and the general contractor

The massive project to rebuild the former obsolete bridge and interchange has been ongoing of more nearly three years. Completion is expected to take place in 2025. The result will be a completely re-configured "single-point urban interchange" rather than the former half-cloverleaf design.

A new six-lane bridge, which will also carry bicycle lanes, has been constructed, along with new ramps connecting the two roadways. Many new lanes, however, remain blocked as construction continues.

New signage, lighting and other necessities are also included in the project. A wall designed as a noise barrier is under construction at the south-west portion of the intersection.

When construction is completed the former half-cloverleaf will have been replaced by a "Single Point Urban Interchange," which will feature a traffic signal with left turn lanes beneath the new bridge. Wider exit and entrance ramps will increase capacity. Already completed is a new frontage road serving business in the southwest quadrant of the intersection.

Landscaping is being designed in conjunction with the City of Lake Wales.

Another multi-year construction project is also planned for the widening of US 27 from four to six lanes from SR 60 to the Highlands County line south of Lake Wales. That project will be conducted in phases from north to south.