The Florida Department of Transportation started a new drainage project in Lake Wales, Florida in July 2025. The project is designed to improve roadway drainage along SR 17 (Scenic Highway) and along South 3rd Street between East Bullard Road and East Johnson Avenue. Improvements include installing new drainage structures and pipes, reconstructing asphalt in damaged areas, milling and resurfacing the roadway, adding five-foot sidewalk along the west side of South 3rd Street, and reconstructing some driveway aprons. 

The normal work schedule will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, but there are no restrictions on work hours or lane closures.

South 3rd Street will be closed at times during construction with traffic detoured to Scenic Highway.