Issued by: City of Lakeland Water Utilities
Project: Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line Upgrade – Phase 1
Location: Southwest Lakeland, starting in the Forrest Park & Lotus Avenue area (map attached)
Start Date: May 12, 2025
Purpose: Improve system capacity, reliability, and public safety
LAKELAND, FL (May 9, 2025) – The City of Lakeland Water Utilities is initiating Phase One of a critical infrastructure project to upgrade the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line. This major line currently handles approximately 3.5 million gallons of wastewater per day and connects to the Southwest Pump Station via a 36-inch reinforced concrete pipe installed in the 1980s. Reduced diameter from past structural lining and repairs has limited the pipe’s capacity, restricting system performance and future growth.
Initial Construction Area
Work will initially begin in the Forrest Park and Lotus Avenue area, with traffic controls in place. Digital message boards and standard traffic signage will be used to alert motorists and ensure public safety.
Phase One Scope
Construction includes:
- A new 42-inch gravity trunk sewer line
- A new wastewater pump station
- 24-inch and 30-inch force mains
- Collector lines and supporting infrastructure
This phase spans approximately 12,800 linear feet of sewer main, with 43 manholes and 47 lateral connection designed to meet current and future wastewater demands.
Why This Upgrade is Necessary
- Increased Capacity: Supports community growth and eliminates system bottlenecks.
- Public Safety: Realigns sewer lines away from residential areas in the Oakhill, Colonial, and Citrus Center Colony Mobile Home Parks.
- Harden Boulevard Improvements: 1,400 linear feet of pipe will be rerouted from beneath Harden Blvd for better accessibility and safety.
- Maintenance Access: New infrastructure will improve inspection, maintenance, and emergency response efficiency.
Public Notification & Citizen Engagement
The City of Lakeland is committed to transparent communication. Residents that may be directly impacted by the project will be notified through:
- Media notifications, www.lakelandgov.net, and social media
- Physical letters and door-to-door outreach
- Real-time alerts via:
- Everbridge text messaging (Water Utilities alert system)
- Voice-automated calls (reverse 911)
- Email notifications throughout each project phase
Contractor Information
Contractor details are available upon request and will be included in the official project documentation shared with residents and stakeholders.
For more information, please refer to the attached map or contact Guy Taylor at Lakeland Water Utilities at [email protected].