Repair delays by CSX Transportation at their 1st Street NW rail crossing in the Kathleen area of Lakeland will keep the crossing closed until next Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. Repairs to nearby crossings at Oak Avenue NW and Deeson Road are finished and the roadways have reopened. Congestion and peak hour travel delays are still expected as traffic continues to be detoured to bypass crossing. Motorists are encouraged to drive carefully, be alert to detour signs, and to add time to their trips through these areas.
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners and County Manager’s Office regret the resulting travel delays and disruption to residents. However, due to longstanding CSX statutory entitlements, CSX has considerable authority to close roads crossing their railway lines. Polk County recognizes these repairs are necessary and will make for better and safer driving conditions when completed.
Anyone wanting to report a public road rail crossing issue or complaint should call CSX at 1-800-232-0144 or email them at [email protected].
