Previously postponed due to Hurricane Helene, CSX Transportation (CSXT) will close Saddle Creek Road starting tomorrow morning October 2 at its rail crossing by the Saddle Creek Distribution Warehouse complex located a quarter-mile west of Fish Hatchery Road in the Combee area of Lakeland. The two-day closure is needed to repair an “identified track defect,” with Saddle Creek Road scheduled to reopen on Thursday afternoon, October 3.
Saddle Creek Road traffic will detour along Combee Road (State Road 659) or Fish Hatchery Road to U.S. Highway 92 to bypass the rail work zone. The detour will increase congestion and travel delays, especially during peak-hour traffic. Local commuters can seek alternate routes to lessen delays. Motorists are advised to drive carefully and add extra time to trips through this area.