Fort Fraser Trail

DRMP provided design and permitting services for the Fort Fraser Trail from CR 540A to East Van Fleet Drive in Polk County, Florida.  This new 7.5-mile multi-purpose recreational trail was constructed alongside US 98 on the old CSX Railroad alignment.  This trail is an important part of the “spine” of the overall Florida Trails network. 

DRMP served as the overall site engineer for the project preparing all construction documents, right-of-way maps and permit applications to the water management district.  Construction engineering inspection services were provided for the owner once the design was completed. Distinctive decorative architectural features provide users with distance from the trailhead, and a railroad trestle was converted to a covered bridge look.

Minor roadway and drainage improvements also were needed, as well as signing of the trail crossings at side streets and driveways. In Highlands City, a trailhead facility, including shelter, parking and restrooms was constructed.  Traffic signal improvements were also coordinated to make the trail more accessible to nearby residents.

This trail is a primary component of the Florida Rail-Trail network which converts old vacated railways into recreational trails that are ADA compliant. The multi-use trail also serves as a foot traffic connector between Lakeland and Bartow, Florida.