The blocked driveway to the new McDonalds, 9940 U.S. Highway 64, might be ready for use in a couple of weeks.
Armen L. Parker, area construction manager/South Central Team/McDonald’s USA, LLC, told Lakeland Currents today, “We are working with Walgreens for final approval to commence driveway work. I anticipate approval and work completed in the next 2-3 weeks.”
The rear driveway to the new eatery has been closed to traffic since the ribbon-cutting of McDonald’s Nov. 6. The main entrance to the restaurant is off Highway 64 beside the Lakeland Walgreen’s.
Emily Harrell, Lakeland city engineer, said the McDonald’s plans showed improvements to the driveway so that it aligns with the new driveway into McDonald’s. “They constructed the new section but claim to be having trouble getting permission from Walgreens to finish the work on Walgreens property.
“Typically we would not issue a Certificate of Occupancy until this work was completed, but McDonalds assured us that they were working through it and would have the approved entrance completed soon,” said Mrs. Harrell. She said she insisted McDonald’s put up the barricades.
The grand opening for McDonald’s is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 2.
The original Lakeland McDonald’s, 3565 Canada Road, was closed in September in anticipation of the new location. The old location is part of a Mobile gas station which is being renovated. A new eatery has not been announced to fill the space, although Dairy Queen has been mentioned.
