Trucker Guide: I-4 Exit 48 (CR-557 / Lake Jem)

I-4 Exit 48 (CR-557 / Lake Jem) has recently undergone a major transformation as of 2026.

Featuring a modern diamond interchange with teardrop roundabouts, this exit is a primary link for Hilochee Wildlife Management Area and rural industrial pockets. It offers a clean transit point between the commercial hubs of Lakeland and Orlando.

Parking Availability & Type

Direct parking at the Exit 48 ramps is restricted to emergency stopping only. However, reconstruction added dedicated emergency staging areas on the off-ramps.

Official Staging:

FDOT Emergency Stopping Locations
I-4 Exit 48 Off-Ramps (EB and WB), Polk City, FL 33868.
Details: Designed for short-term mechanical checks or emergency resets. Do not plan for a 10-hour break here unless directed by DOT.

Nearby Official Parking:

Love’s Travel Stop (Exit 44): 4 miles west. 160+ paved spaces.

Polk County Rest Area (EB/WB): MM 46 (2 miles west). Dedicated truck pull-through slots and 24/7 security.

Hilochee Wildlife Entrance: Strictly No Trucks. Do not enter with 53-footers.

Fuel Amenities (Diesel Specific)

There are no fuel stations directly at Exit 48. This is a rural transit interchange.

Nearest High-Speed Pumps:
Love’s Travel Stop (Exit 44): 4 miles west. 9 commercial lanes.
Circle K / Shell (Exit 55): 7 miles east. Limited truck access.

Logistics Tip: Prioritize Exit 44 for Comdata, EFS, and Bulk DEF at the pump.

Food & Driver Comfort

Exit 48 is food-dry. Drivers should plan ahead or carry meals.

Arby’s (Exit 44): 4 miles west (Inside Love's).

Beef 'O' Brady's: 300 Commonwealth Ave, Polk City. Bobtail-friendly only.

Amenities: No showers/laundry on-site. Nearest facilities at Love's (Exit 44). Basic Wi-Fi available at Polk County Rest Area (MM 46).

Clearance & Weigh Stations

CR-557 Bridge (Over I-4): 16'6

I-4 Mainline at CR-557: 16'2

Wildlife Crossing (0.2 mi E): 15'6

Nearest CAT Scale: Love’s Travel Stop (Exit 44).

Nearest Weigh Station: Plant City EB (MM 14), ~34 miles west.

Re-entry & Radius

Re-entry Score: 9/10.
Teardrop roundabouts designed for heavy-haul equipment. High visibility for merging.

Radius Alert: Stay in the outer lane of the teardrop to avoid riding the interior apron. CR-557 to CR-563 south narrows quickly.

Service & Repair

I-4 Auto Experts & Truck Repair

1050 SR-557, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
~5 miles south. 24/7 roadside assistance, jump starts, and tire repair for the Exit 48 corridor.

Love’s Truck Care

Located at Exit 44 (Auburndale)
Full mechanical and tire services located 4 miles west.

Traffic Flow & Local Landmarks

• The Hilochee Wildlife Crossing: Massive underpass just east. High-fencing zone—do not stop on shoulders.
• The Gap: Start of the rural stretch toward Disney. Traffic is fluid, but watch for ghost braking near wildlife fencing at dawn/dusk.
• Landmark: Look for the white teardrop roundabout lighting and the massive wildlife bridge.

FAQ: Driver Quick-Hits

Can I park overnight at Exit 48?
No. Parking is only permitted at the dedicated emergency stopping locations for short periods. Use the Polk County Rest Area (MM 46) or Exit 44 for overnight stays.

Is CR-557 a good route for over-dimensional loads?
Yes, the new bridges at Exit 48 were built with high clearances (16'+), making it a preferred route for taller loads bypassing the older Lake Alfred trestles.

Where is the nearest truck wash?
The Blue Beacon of Auburndale at Exit 44 is your closest professional washout.