With more and more development coming to downtown Lakeland area.
The city commissioners are turning their attention to an agreement with FDOT and CSX to make ways to move pedestrians and bicyclists over and under the CSX railroad tracks.
Today they endorsed their support of a proposal to build a pedestrian bridge linking New York Avenue with Lake Wire.
The city commissioners and staff also aggressively are pushing their case to FDOT to build a pedestrian underpass between Lake Beulah and Bonnet Springs Park.
This would to keep walkers and cyclists from sharing the narrow Sloan Avenue underpass with cars and trucks..
The portion over the CSX tracks would be enclosed in meshed metal, and a weathered steel look is envisioned to minimize maintenance costs.
Most of the costs will be funded by the FDOT, but the city of Lakeland is funding $85,000 for aesthetic improvements, including powder-coated railings and concrete sealer.
Florida DOT has funded design of the overpass and right-of-way acquisition, but construction has not been funded yet, though it remains a high priority for FDOT District One.