Florida's Department of Transportation has targeted four intersections on U.S. 27 in Lake Wales for resurfacing, new traffic loop detectors and restriping.
Because of the volume of large trucks on the road, many sections have developed ruts in the lanes, according to FDOT spokesperson Robin Stublin.
"Asphalt gets hot, especially in summertime," Stublin said. "Trucks come up, they have to make a sudden stop. You've got to shift the weights, transferring it forward and it pushes just a little bit and it accumulates over time."
Work started this week to replace pavement at U.S. 27 and Waverly Road/Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Home Depot's north entrance, Chalet Suzanne Road/Thompson Nursery Rd and the Eagle Ridge Mall south entrance.
Each intersection takes approximately a week to complete. However, the State has built in additional time for weather delays.
Traffic approaching work zones from side streets will only be allowed to turn right at the intersections, then make a U-turn at the next available median opening. All lane shifts and closures happen during off-peak hours, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. to minimize the impact to traffic.