Public Notice: Major Gravity Sewer Line Construction Will Soon Impact Portion of Ariana Street

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LAKELAND, FL (June 6, 2025) - The City of Lakeland Water Utilities has launched Phase One of a critical infrastructure project to upgrade the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line. This major line, installed in the 1980s, carries approximately 3.5 million gallons of wastewater per day to the Southwest Pump Station through a 36-inch reinforced concrete pipe. Over time, structural lining and past repairs have reduced the pipe’s diameter, limiting capacity and hindering system performance and future expansion.

Construction Area and Traffic Impacts

Phase One construction began in the Forrest Park and Lotus Avenue area, with traffic control measures currently in place. Digital message boards and standard traffic signage are being used to notify motorists and maintain public safety. Work will continue north along Lotus Avenue and is scheduled to cross Ariana Street during the week of June 23, 2025. This intersection will be closed for approximately five days, with clearly marked detours provided around the construction zone.

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 connections 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

 For more information, please refer to the attached map or contact Guy Taylor at Lakeland Water Utilities at guy.taylor@lakelandgov.net. 

 

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