Bartow, Fla. (July 15, 2024) — Separate pole replacement projects by Duke Energy will close two Polk County roads starting July 15. Replacement of aged wooden poles with light-duty steel poles requires closing Lake Mabel Loop Road and Old Polk City Road to allow for traffic and worker safety, as well as room for the stationing of oversized equipment within the right-of-way.
Lake Mabel Loop Road will be closed between Tindel Camp Road and Lake JL Massey Road through Friday, August 9. Traffic will detour along Tindel Camp Road, Lake Mable Loop Road or Lake JL Massey Road to Scenic Hwy. 17 or St. Helena Road to bypass work zone.
Old Polk City Road will be closed for 10 days from Prado Grande Avenue to Lake Brown Drive. Access to Prado Grande Avenue and Lake Brown Drive will provide a short, connected detour route around the closed Old Polk City Road segment.
While detours are generally brief, motorists are advised to drive carefully, be alert to crews and equipment, and follow detour signs or directions by flagmen. Minor travel delays are likely, especially during weekday peak-hour traffic. Commuters should add extra drive time to trips through this area. For more information, call Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at (863) 535-2200.