453830-1 S.R. 60 Railroad Crossing Reconstruction in Lake Wales

AUGUST 4 UPDATE: All repairs to the crossing are now compete and S.R. 60 is reopened to traffic! Thank you for your patience during this much needed safety project!

JULY 29 UPDATE:  CSX crews have continued to make steady progress on the railroad crossing improvements. Work has included removing the old track and approach materials, preparing the substructure, installing new track, placing and shaping ballast, and compacting it to achieve the proper track elevation. Crews are now stabilizing and fine-tuning the newly installed track by running trains over it and making any necessary adjustments before installing the roadway crossing panels and proceeding with roadway paving.

The Florida Department of Transportation, in cooperation with CSX Transportation, will implement a temporary full closure of the rail grade crossing on S.R. 60 between Bartow and Lake Wales in Polk County, Florida to perform vital track improvements, structural repaving, and high visibility safety striping updates. The maintenance ensures continued operational safety and network reliability. 

To minimize disruption, motorists are strongly advised to plan travel times in advance, follow all high visibility dynamic road signs, and utilize the following detour routes.

LOCAL AND SCHOOL BUS DETOUR - NO TRUCKS - Passenger vehicles and School Bus Bypass Route (Trucks Strictly Prohibited)

Westbound (from Lake Wales to Bartow):

• Head north on Old Bartow Road
• At the roundabout, head west on Old Lake Wales Road
• Head west on S.R. 60

Eastbound (from Bartow to lake Wales):

• Head north on Old Lake Wales Road
• At the roundabout, head south on old Bartow Road
• Head east on S.R. 60

LARGE VEHICLE AND TRUCK DETOUR - Mandatory 31-Mile Regional Route for all Commercial Trucks and Heavy Vehicles

Westbound (from Lake Wales to Bartow):

• Head south on U.S. 27 to U.S. 98
• Head west on U.S. 98 to U.S. 17
• Head north on U.S. 17 to S.R. 60 

Eastbound (from Bartow to Lake Wales):

• Head south on U.S. 17 to U.S. 98 
• Head east on U.S. 98 to U.S. 27
• Head north on U.S. 27 to S.R. 60

**See Images Section below for maps showing the detour routes**