A Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project to resurface Winter Lake Road from Bartow Road to the Polk Parkway began in late January, 2024 and was completed on October 23, 2024. As part of construction the guardrail opening that allowed boat access at Saddle Creek was closed permanently to meet current guardrail standards. Boaters may access Lake Hancock at the official Lake Hancock Boat Ramp located at Panther Point Trailhead off US 98. Project improvements included:

• Milling and resurfacing the roadway and side street entrances

• Upgrading lighting and signal equipment at both Reynolds Road and US 98

• Widening the eastbound right-turn lanes at Polk State and at Discovery Drive to provide a keyhole bicycle lane

• Upgrading the pedestrian crossing and pedestrian signals at Reynolds Road

• Reconstructing driveway entrances at various locations

• Replacing guardrail throughout the project

• Closing the opening in the guardrail that had allowed access to Lake Hancock at Saddle Creek