LAKE ALFRED, Fla. - The increasing traffic in Tampa Bay and Central Florida is a frustration for many.

For over a decade, Wayne Frey has enjoyed his walks through Lake Alfred. However, these days, those walks are a little bit more hectic. 

“Oh, the traffic volume has doubled since we moved in 10 years ago,” Frey said.

His main concern is US 17-92, the highway that runs through town and splits into Shinn Boulevard and Lake Shore Way. He says drivers are dealing with increased traffic in this area, while pedestrians struggle to cross. 

“It’s almost impossible to get across. Sometimes it takes 10 minutes to get across there,” Frey said.

Fellow resident Sherri Parker shares similar concerns.

“We have tons of trucks coming through here. Cars nonstop. What once took me 10 minutes to go someplace now takes me 30 or longer,” Parker said.

She’s also concerned about speeding.

“It didn’t used to be this way. And they go fast. They don’t do the speed limit,” Parker said.

Residents say that traffic has increased due to the population growth in Lake Alfred, a trend also seen in neighboring areas of Polk County, such as Haines City and Auburndale, which are connected by US 17-92.

City Manager Ryan Leavengood said that a lot of the traffic on that road is made up of drivers passing through town, which contributes to increased speeds.

He acknowledges the residents' concerns but points out that US 17-92 is operated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Leavengood stated that FDOT will conduct a study later this year for a proposed lane repurposing project in the area. 

This initiative could ultimately help reduce speeds and enhance the walkability of downtown. 

Frey hopes to see any changes that would improve road safety. 

“They need to slow down the traffic somehow and put in pedestrian crosswalks,” Frey said.