Public Notice: Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line Project – Josephine Street Closure
LAKELAND, FL (January 16, 2026) | The City of Lakeland Water Utilities Department will begin the next phase of the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer Line Project on Monday, January 19, 2026. This work will temporarily impact traffic along a portion of Josephine Street. This essential infrastructure improvement project is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance wastewater capacity, improve public safety, and ensure long-term service reliability for the community.
What to Expect
• Road Closure:
Josephine Street will be closed to through traffic between Beech Avenue and Southern Avenue.
• Traffic Detours:
All traffic will be detoured to Highland Street via Southern Avenue and Pinewood Avenue. Detours will be clearly marked with standard traffic signage and digital message boards to maintain traffic flow and public safety.
• Construction Activity:
Residents may experience increased daytime noise and construction equipment in the area.
Project Timeline
Duration: Approximately two (2) weeks
Start Date: January 19, 2026
Location: Josephine Street between Beech Avenue and Southern Avenue
Why This Work Matters
The project will replace aging infrastructure dating back to the 1980s with:
• A 42-inch gravity trunk sewer line
• A modern wastewater pump station
• New force mains and collector lines
These upgrades will significantly improve system performance, capacity, and emergency response capabilities.
Stay Informed
Residents can stay updated through:
• Mailed notices and door-to-door outreach
• Text alerts, voice calls, and emails via the City’s Everbridge notification system
For questions or additional information, please contact Guy Taylor at guy.taylor@lakelandgov.net.
The City of Lakeland appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve critical infrastructure.
Contacts
Jamin Smith
Digital Content Creator
City of Lakeland
Jamin.Smith@lakelandGov.net
About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population fast approaching 130,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.
