Lakeland, FL – Monday, November 24, 2025 – The Florida Department of Transportation has confirmed that the ongoing drainage improvement project on State Road 659 (Combee Road) from Coral Way to Dons Place in Lakeland is still on track for completion in early 2026.
The confirmation follows inquiries regarding recent extensions of the full closure of South Eastside Drive between Timberlane East and SR 659. The closure, originally scheduled to end earlier, has been extended twice, with new target dates announced on November 29 and again on December 9.
FDOT attributed the recent delays to three specific issues: groundwater required deeper pumping than initially anticipated, requiring the ordering and installation of an additional pump; one drainage structure needed full replacement; and project managers chose to extend the full road closure rather than switch to a flagging operation, which would have lengthened the overall work duration.
Despite these adjustments, FDOT stated that the overall project timeline has not been affected and remains set for early 2026 completion. Nothing further at this time.
Source: FDOT
