Published: March 6, 2024
Bartow, Fla. (Mar. 6, 2024) — A month-long Tampa Electric Company (TECO) project to remove and replace 11 power transmission poles requires daytime closures along Charlotte Road and Derby Avenue in Auburndale from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. starting Thursday, March 7. Closures will be intermittent as the work progresses south along Charlotte Road from Old Winter Haven Road to Derby Avenue, then westerly along Derby Avenue to Havendale Boulevard. Oversized equipment is needed to safely install new steel poles. During closures, traffic will be detoured along Havendale Boulevard or U.S. Highway 92 to bypass work zones. Daytime access to portions of Charlotte Road and Derby Avenue will be dependent on the progress and location of pole replacements. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained at all times and roadways will reopen at the end of each day’s work.
Motorists are advised to drive carefully, be alert to crews and equipment, and follow detour signs or directions by flagmen. Travel delays and congestion will be greater during 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.