Public Notice: Western Trunk Sewer Project Final Restoration to Impact Josephine & Highland Streets

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Who: City of Lakeland Water Utilities Department.

What: Final restoration work for the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line Project, causing temporary road closures and detours while maintaining park access.

When: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, through Friday, February 20, 2026 (approximately three days).

Where: Josephine Street and Highland Street between Beech Street and Southern Avenue, with detours routed to Ariana Street and continued access to the SW Park Complex.

How: Roads will be closed to through traffic and traffic redirected using marked detours, digital message boards, and signage while crews complete restoration activities.

LAKELAND, FL (February 17, 2026) | On February 18 - 21, the City of Lakeland Water Utilities Department will begin the final restoration phase of the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line Project, temporarily impacting portions of Josephine Street, Highland Street, and the SW Park Complex area.

This important infrastructure project supports ongoing efforts to improve wastewater capacity, enhance public safety, and ensure long-term service reliability for Lakeland residents.

What to Expect

Road Closures
A portion of Josephine Street and Highland Street between Beech Street and Southern Avenue will be closed to through traffic.

Traffic Detours
Traffic will be detoured to Ariana Street for the duration of the closure. Clearly marked detours, digital message boards, and standard traffic signage will be in place to help maintain traffic flow and public safety.

SW Park Complex Access Maintained
Although Highland Street will be closed to through traffic, access to the SW Park Complex will remain open at all times. Visitors will still be able to enter the park during construction.

Construction Activity
Residents may experience increased daytime noise and the presence of construction equipment in the area.

Project Timeline
• Start Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

• End Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
  • Duration: Approximately three (3) days
  • Location: Josephine Street and Highland Street between Beech Street and Southern Avenue

Why This Work Matters

The project will replace aging infrastructure dating back to the 1980s with:

• A 42-inch gravity trunk sewer line
• A modern wastewater pump station
• New force mains and collector lines

These upgrades will significantly improve system performance, capacity, and emergency response capabilities.


Stay Informed
Residents can stay updated through:
• www.LakelandGov.net and @LakelandGov on social media
• Mailed notices and door-to-door outreach
• Text alerts, voice calls, and emails via the City’s Everbridge notification system


For questions or additional information, please contact Guy Taylor at guy.taylor@lakelandgov.net.

The City of Lakeland appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve critical infrastructure.