The planning phase is the first phase of FDOT’s Project Development Process. An Alternative Corridor Evaluation, or ACE, is a planning-level study. Key components of an ACE include establishing the project’s purpose and need, defining the environment and developing corridor alternatives. The engineering and environmental features of each corridor are evaluated, fatal flaws identified, and community feedback solicited. If a feasible corridor is found, it then moves to the PD&E Study phase for further evaluation.

The purpose and need for a project provides the basis for developing, considering, evaluating, and eliminating project alternatives.  The need for the Central Polk Parkway East includes accommodating population growth and the associated travel demands, improving regional connectivity and overall system linkage, enhancing freight mobility and economic competitiveness, and enhancing safety, emergency evacuation and response.

This handout presents Corridor Alternatives E and F which begin at US 27 and extend approximately 17 to 21 miles north to US 17/92 near Ernie Cauldwell Blvd. Corridors E and F replace Corridors A, B, C and D.

This display board presents Corridors E and F with the city limits.

This display board presents Corridors E and F with some of the existing sociocultural features.

This display board presents Corridors E and F with some of the existing environmental features.

Corridor alternatives E and F were compared against each other to help determine which corridor best meets the project purpose and need, while avoiding and minimizing impacts to existing features. The evaluation matrix shown on this display board summarizes the results of a preliminary comparison of the corridor alternatives.

Scan this QR Code to locate an address in relation to Corridors E and F.

The proposed typical section is a four-lane, limited access, divided highway tolled facility with an approximate total right of way width of 310 feet within a 500-foot corridor buffer.

Increased travel demand within Polk County has led to congested roadways. Today, light, moderate or heavy congestion is regularly observed on several major regional roadways including Interstate 4, SR 60, US 27 and US 17/92 during the peak travel periods.

The congested conditions on these major regional roadways will continue to degrade if no improvements or alternative travel routes are constructed. Heavy traffic congestion is forecasted for Interstate 4, US 27, SR 60, US 17/92, Lee Jackson Highway, and County Road 532 by the year 2050.

After the May public meetings, one corridor alternative will be selected and presented for feedback at a Public Meeting tentatively scheduled for end of year 2025.

If you have any questions or comments on the project or ACE process, you may contact the Project Manager directly by email or phone, submit your comments via the project website, or submit your comments by US mail.

This project is being developed in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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