by James Coulter
Pedestrians crossing the railroad tracks along E. Johnson Avenue will have a safer, smoother walkway to cross over now that the City of Lake Wales has approved a resolution for railroad crossing upgrades.
At their meeting on Tues. Mar. 4, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve a resolution authorizing an agreement between the City of Lake Wales, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the Florida Midland Railroad.
The upgrade, as explained by Sarah B. Kirkland, Public Works Director, in the agenda memo, will “install a rubber/asphalt pedestrian crosswalk and a TF MBM Crossing system at the Johnson Avenue crossing.” The upgrade will cost approximately $150,749, with the cost to be borne by FDOT through this agreement.
“The rubber/asphalt crosswalk combines asphalt and rubber materials to create a smooth and durable surface,” she wrote. “The rubber components, often referred to as ‘flange ways,’ are placed alongside the rails to fill the gaps, ensuring a level crossing and reducing the risk of tripping.”
In February 2024, The City partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to upgrade the crossing. These upgrades, according to the memo, included “new flasher, gate-type signals equipped with LED lights, pole-mounted bells, and a wired shelter to complete the new signal system.”
