Construction and Spring Training (February - March 2026)

As Detroit Tigers Spring Training returns to Lakeland, construction progress continues along SR 33 (Lakeland Hills Boulevard) for a second season. While motorists will encounter similar lane configurations as last season — one lane in each direction with limited left-turn access — the continued work represents steady progress toward long-term safety, improved infrastructure, better drainage, and operational improvements along this key corridor.

To support game-day travel, FDOT will monitor and adjust construction schedules to help minimize congestion before and after games, and the City of Lakeland Traffic Operations team will again provide active signal management from its Traffic Monitoring Center.

Traffic Suggestions for Fans:

• Northbound traffic: Turn right on East Bella Vista Street and left on Gilmore Avenue 
• Southbound traffic: Turn left on Granada Street and right on Horton Way
• Citrus Connection's Tigertown Express shuttle service remains available for convenient transportation. Check out their schedule and locations at Tigertown Express - Citrus Connection
• Whatever way you choose to travel to the game, add extra travel time, follow posted signage, and use caution when traveling through the work zone.

About this FDOT Construction Project:

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, began improvements on State Road SR 33 (Lakeland Hills Boulevard) in Polk County in October 2024. The project includes complete reconstruction of the roadway and drainage system from Parkview Place to north of Granada Street in Lakeland.

The new roadway will include four travel lanes with curb and gutter on the outside and a 12-foot raised median from Parkview Place to north of Miami Street. The roadway from north of Miami Street to north of Granada Street will maintain four travel lanes with a continuous 12-foot-wide bi-directional left turn lane. Additional safety enhancements include:

• Constructing a mid-block pedestrian crossing with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) south of Channing Road
• Constructing a mid-block pedestrian crossing with Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) north of Swannanoa Street
• Replacing existing 5-foot sidewalks with 8-foot sidewalks
• Modifying existing driveways to reflect current standards
• Upgrading Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and pedestrian signals
• Upgrading existing lighting at signalized intersections
• Providing street lighting on both sides of the roadway between Parkview Place and Granada Street
• Storm sewer system replacement
• Upgrading traffic signal equipment to LED

FDOT held a public meeting (online and in-person) on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, to present project information and provide an opportunity for the public to offer feedback. Although the meeting comment period is officially closed, copies of the public meeting materials are available for viewing in the Project Documents section. A copy of the public meeting video presentation is available for viewing in the Project Videos section.

FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status.