Lake Elbert Trail construction to affect Polk State Winter Haven Campus commuters

This month, the City of Winter Haven is beginning construction on the long-awaited Lake Elbert Trail project, a 2.4-mile trail around Lake Elbert which will provide a beautiful amenity that will benefit residents and Polk State students alike.

Construction is scheduled to last from January 2024 until April 2025 and will be completed in three phases that will impact through traffic on Lake Elbert Drive. Throughout the period of the project, there will be road closures, detours, and “local traffic only” designations. Drivers should be prepared to stop and follow detour signage.

Polk State College staff and students traveling to and from the Winter Haven Campus are urged to use caution and leave earlier to provide extra time. The first road closure begins in January at Lake Elbert Drive Southeast (East Central Avenue) to Avenue G. The road will be closed until July except for local traffic.

Drivers approaching campus from Downtown Winter Haven on Central Avenue should use Sixth Street Northeast and follow the detour signage. Drivers approaching from the east on State Road 542/Dundee Road should turn right on Lake Elbert Drive Northeast. Drivers coming from the north can access the campus from 11th Street Northeast as well as Fairfax Street Northeast/Lake Maude Drive.

Other construction elements include storm water system upgrades, water and sewer line connections, pedestrian crosswalks, resurfacing, shoreline enhancements, and pedestrian connectivity. For more information, contact lakeelberttrail@mywinterhaven.com. More information, including a link to sign up for Lake Elbert Trail notifications and updates can be found here.