US 98 Widening and Realignment from Polk County line to US 301

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The design-build project will widen US 98 creating a 4-lane divided roadway from the Polk County line to north of Townsend Road and realign US 98 from north of Townsend Road to US 301. The realignment allows US 98 to align with Clinton Avenue, which became the new SR 52 at the intersection of US 301 in February 2023. Four new roundabouts will be built, including one at the new intersection of US 98 and Clinton Avenue east of US 301. There will also be 3 new signalized intersections. The existing bridge over CSX Railroad and old Lakeland Highway will be replaced with twin bridges. There will be a 6-foot sidewalk on the east side of the road and a 10-foot wide shared use path on the west side of the road that will connect to the Withlacoochee State Trail on US 301. The contractor is responsible for finalizing the design plans and building the improvements. The design portion of the contract is nearing completion. Construction officially began with clearing activities on February 12, 2024.