If you have visited Lake Kissimmee State Park recently, you may have noticed some construction along the Zipprer Canal.
There are two things going on. One is construction of a new water control structure on this canal between Lake Rosalie and Lake Kissimmee. Next will be construction of a new bridge across the canal.
The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. March 14 in the pavilion near the park’s marina to explain the project.
The current bridge is substandard, according to an evaluation of local bridges FDOT conducted a few years ago. It, for instance, cannot be used by heavy vehicles, such as fire trucks. (Interestingly, I was at the park one day and saw a Polk County fire truck parked near the bridge while the crew walked over the park’s cow camp.)
The old bridge will remain because it is considered historic, according to park officials. The new bridge will span the canal nearby.
For additional information, contact project manager Andra Diggs at Andra.Diggs@dot.state.fl.us .