LP Drivers Should Expect Delays At Tracks

LAKE PLACID - Installation of more than 50 miles of new railroad track - stretching from Moore Haven to Sebring - will cause daytime road delays through Tuesday.

South Central Florida Express, Inc. is upgrading with new 2007 American-made track to allow for heavier trainloads and increased safety for both company staff and the public, according to Sam Mello, director of roadway maintenance for South Central Florida Express.

By press time Friday, work was under way or already completed at five roadway train crossings. The remainder of repairs should be completed by Tuesday.

Work was scheduled with road closures at railroad crossings on Sunset Drive, Harris Drive, Lake
Mirror Drive, Payson Avenue and Lake Drive East.

Train speeds will not increase and the company will not up the frequency of trains.

Mello said only one train travels southbound, while just one other northbound train uses the tracks each day. Trains will run on a combination of existing and new tracks while work continues.

New crossing signals will be installed, with lights and gates, which will replace the regular cross back on Payson Avenue.

Within two weeks, the company expects to start resurfacing the roadway at each crossing and in turn raise the track level, which will cause additional daytime road closures.

The next section of the project will start at the railroad bridge near the northern border of town which crosses U.S. 27, and with work sites proceeding north to Sebring.

Highlands County is controlling road detours.