From Sunday, April 13 through Tuesday, April 15, US 98 from Janmar Road to just north of the bridge over Old Lakeland Highway will see nightly lane closures and flagging operations from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. The closures are part of a design-build project to widen US 98 into a four-lane divided roadway from the Polk County line to north of Townsend Road and realign it from there to US 301.
The realignment will connect US 98 with Clinton Avenue, now designated as SR 52 at US 301 since February 2023. The project includes four new roundabouts, one at the new US 98 and Clinton Avenue intersection east of US 301, plus three new signalized intersections. The existing bridge over the CSX Railroad and Old Lakeland Highway will be replaced with twin bridges.
Additionally, a 6-foot sidewalk will be added on the east side and a 10-foot shared-use path on the west side, linking to the Withlacoochee State Trail at US 301. The contractor is finalizing design plans, with construction kicking off February 12, 2024, starting with clearing activities.
Drivers should plan alternate routes and drive cautiously. Nothing further at this time.
