Delays related to the removal of an asbestos cement waterline will keep the eastbound travel lane of West Pipkin Road from Harden Boulevard to South Florida Avenue closed until the first week of March 2024. West Pipkin Road is being widened from two lanes to four lanes from Medulla Road to Harden Boulevard, with one lane added from Harden Boulevard to South Florida Avenue. New signals, sidewalks, street lighting, and utility improvements are also part of the Polk County project.
Eastbound traffic on West Pipkin Road heading to South Florida Avenue will still detour onto Old Highway 37 to Ewell Road, then to South Florida Avenue. While eastbound traffic can turn northbound onto Harden Boulevard, the eastbound travel lane remains blocked to traffic beyond Harden Boulevard.
Westbound traffic can still turn southbound onto South Lakeland Drive, Shady Lake Lane, and Dorman Road on the south side of West Pipkin Road between South Florida Avenue and Harden Boulevard
Motorists should expect slower traffic and congestion, especially during peak-hour traffic. Commuters are advised to drive carefully, be alert to detour signs and to add extra time to trips through this area.