Lakeland's Road Diet Project Moves Forward After Decade of Delays

The much-debated South Florida Avenue road diet is now over 60% through the design phase, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Lakeland's long-awaited South Florida Avenue road diet project has reached a major milestone, with the design now over 60% complete. The $27.6 million project will include wider sidewalks, historic-style lighting, shade trees, and a new mid-block pedestrian crossing. After years of delays, construction is expected to begin in spring 2027, though officials warn of potential traffic disruptions during the construction phase.

Why it matters

The South Florida Avenue road diet has been a contentious issue in Lakeland for over a decade, with the current concrete barriers in place since 2020 causing inconvenience for drivers. The new design aims to improve pedestrian safety and make the Dixieland area feel more connected to downtown, though the construction process may temporarily worsen traffic congestion.

The details

The road diet will reduce South Florida Avenue from five 8.5-foot lanes to three 11-foot travel lanes. The new design includes wide sidewalks with brick ribbons, historic-style streetlights, and shade trees. A mid-block pedestrian crossing will also be added near the Born & Bread Bakehouse. City officials say the project was driven primarily by safety concerns, as the previous configuration was considered a 'high-crash corridor'.

  • The road diet project is now over 60% through the design phase.
  • Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027.
  • Design will be 90% complete by July 20, 2026.
  • Design will be 100% complete by December 31, 2026.
  • The project will be ready to go out to bid in February 2027.

The players

Ryan Lazenby

Civil Engineering Manager for the City of Lakeland.

Mike Musick

Lakeland City Commissioner.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

The state agency that has approved the mid-block pedestrian crossing and is providing $22.6 million in funding for the project.

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What they’re saying

“We also have in the design a couple of little strategic places … where we have reserved space for some public art, if the city should desire to do that.”

— Ryan Lazenby, Civil Engineering Manager (lkldnow.com)

“How traffic will be handled once construction starts.”

— Mike Musick, Lakeland City Commissioner (lkldnow.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This long-awaited road diet project in Lakeland aims to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity in the Dixieland area, though the construction process may temporarily worsen traffic congestion in the short term. The $27.6 million project is a collaboration between the city and the Florida Department of Transportation.