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Starting Friday, July 21, 2023, five additional intersections in downtown Lakeland will be converted from signalized to all-way stop intersections. The intersections will be converted with flashing lights and stop signs in place to control traffic movements. The following five intersections in the downtown core will join the seven that were converted earlier in the year: Orange Street at Missouri Avenue Orange Street at Tennessee Avenue Orange Street at Kentucky Avenue Lime Street at Tennessee Avenue Lime Street at Kentucky Avenue Tess Schwartz, Manager of Traffic Operations said, “The intersections converted in January are operating efficiently and there have been half as many crashes in that area of downtown as compared to the same period last year, so it makes sense to convert the five remaining locations.” In January 2023, seven intersections were converted to four way stops to assist traffic movements in the downtown area. “Converting the downtown intersections from traffic signal control to four-way stop control supports the goals and objectives outlined in the Comprehensive Plan by facilitating a walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment,” said Schwartz. “At four-way stop-controlled intersections, drivers are focused on the street level with an emphasis on pedestrians. From a vehicular perspective, drivers will experience less delay if the intersections are changed to four-way stops because they will not be waiting on a signal when there is very little traffic.” The following intersections were made into all-way stop as the first phase of the conversion process: Main Street at Missouri Avenue Main Street at Tennessee Avenue Main Street at Kentucky Avenue Lemon Street at Missouri Avenue Lemon Street at Tennessee Avenue Lemon Street at Kentucky Avenue Orange Street at Iowa Avenue The City of Lakeland’s downtown has undergone significant transformation over the past decade. The most notable change from a transportation perspective is the construction of the In-Town Bypass. This removed a state highway around Lake Mirror, allowing the City to reclaim the waterfront for recreation and development. After the In-Town Bypass was constructed traffic volumes on the downtown street network significantly decreased, so much so that the traffic signals are no longer warranted under the requirements of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and adopted by the Florida Department of Transportation by Rule 14-15.010, F.A.C. Traffic Operations reviewed traffic patterns and collected data on the downtown intersections during peak hours to measure crash and capacity analysis. In most cases, the level of service improved with the four-way stops installed. Level of service is defined by travel time, freedom to maneuver, traffic interruptions and convenience for drivers.
Starting Friday, July 21, 2023, five additional intersections in downtown Lakeland will be converted from signalized to all-way stop intersections. The intersections will be converted with flashing lights and stop signs in place to control traffic movements. The following five intersections in the downtown core will join the seven that were converted earlier in the year:
Tess Schwartz, Manager of Traffic Operations said, “The intersections converted in January are operating efficiently and there have been half as many crashes in that area of downtown as compared to the same period last year, so it makes sense to convert the five remaining locations.”
In January 2023, seven intersections were converted to four way stops to assist traffic movements in the downtown area. “Converting the downtown intersections from traffic signal control to four-way stop control supports the goals and objectives outlined in the Comprehensive Plan by facilitating a walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment,” said Schwartz. “At four-way stop-controlled intersections, drivers are focused on the street level with an emphasis on pedestrians. From a vehicular perspective, drivers will experience less delay if the intersections are changed to four-way stops because they will not be waiting on a signal when there is very little traffic.” The following intersections were made into all-way stop as the first phase of the conversion process:
The City of Lakeland’s downtown has undergone significant transformation over the past decade. The most notable change from a transportation perspective is the construction of the In-Town Bypass. This removed a state highway around Lake Mirror, allowing the City to reclaim the waterfront for recreation and development.
After the In-Town Bypass was constructed traffic volumes on the downtown street network significantly decreased, so much so that the traffic signals are no longer warranted under the requirements of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and adopted by the Florida Department of Transportation by Rule 14-15.010, F.A.C.
Traffic Operations reviewed traffic patterns and collected data on the downtown intersections during peak hours to measure crash and capacity analysis. In most cases, the level of service improved with the four-way stops installed. Level of service is defined by travel time, freedom to maneuver, traffic interruptions and convenience for drivers.