Polk TPO

08/31/2026

Traffic improvements at the Interstate 4 (I-4) and U.S. Highway 27 interchange were outlined by FDOT staff at the Aug. 27 TPO board meeting.

According to FDOT, construction is underway on a fourth southbound lane on U.S. Highway 27 and modification to the westbound I‑4 exit ramp. The upgrades are expected to improve traffic flow.

A new Continuous Flow Corridor at Posner Boulevard and Home Run Boulevard, is planned in addition to the I-4 improvements. Once completed left‑turn movements will be replaced with signalized U‑turns.

These enhancements are part of early work ahead of Project 3 of FDOT’s Moving I‑4 Forward program. Project details, construction updates and lane closure information are available at MovingI4Forward.com

08/31/2026

During the Aug. 27 board meeting, TPO staff presented the 2026 State of Transportation System Report. Key measures include traffic growth, safety, roadway performance and transit.

The report shows more than 20 million vehicle miles traveled on major roads each day in Polk County. Safety data remains a concern, with 19,352 crashes in 2025, including 104 fatalities and 347 severe injuries. This averages two traffic deaths each week. These findings help guide future planning and investment across the county.

Read the full report at https://polktpo.com/resources/documents/

08/27/2026

🚧 Traffic Update: Heads up, Bartow! Starting Thursday night, August 27, the median opening at U.S. 98 & Lyle Parkway will be closed for about four months for paving and a new signal installation.

🚦 Lyle Parkway stays open, but if you're on U.S. 98, plan for a U-turn at the next median. Drive safely and allow extra time!

08/27/2026

The Polk TPO is conducting the I-4 Passenger Rail Station Study to explore how future high-speed, intercity passenger rail service could connect Polk County to major destinations across Central Florida and beyond.

The study will help identify potential station locations and amenities that best serve Polk County residents and visitors. Your feedback will directly inform future study recommendations.

✅ Take the survey
✅ Share it with friends and family
✅ Help shape the future of transportation in Polk County

🔗 Survey: www.research.net/r/PolkTPOi-4

08/19/2026

Farmers, ranchers and rural drivers understand the hills, curves and gravel surfaces that make Polk County’s rural roads unique. Their experience shows how familiar roads can still be dangerous and why safe habits matter.

Vision Zero is working with rural communities to turn that knowledge into safer roads and support safer driver behaviors. When local experience and proven safety strategies come together, serious crashes become preventable.

Read the full article at https://polktpo.com/blog/rural-roads-real-wisdom-what-farmers-ranchers-and-rural-drivers-know-about-staying-safe/

Rural roads carry unique risks. Learn how farmers, ranchers and rural drivers stay safe and how Vision Zero supports safer speeds, safer roads and safer communities.

08/18/2026

FDOT Florida's Turnpike Enterprise is hosting an Alternatives Public Information Meeting for the Central Polk Parkway East project, a proposed tolled, limited access highway from U.S. Highway 27 to north of U.S. Highway 17/92. Residents can join virtually or attend in person.

💻Virtual meeting:
6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 24

📍In-person open house meetings:
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 25
Lake Eva Event Center, 799 Johns Ave. in Haines City.

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 27
Tom Fellows Community Center, 207 North Blvd. West in Davenport.

Visit the project website at www.CentralPolkParkwayEast.com for more information or to register for the virtual meeting.

08/18/2026

The Polk TPO Board will meet on Thursday, Aug. 27. You are invited to attend and learn about current transportation planning efforts taking place in Polk County.

The meeting will include:
• Presentation on the Moving I-4 Forward Program, with a focus on U.S. Highway 27
• Presentation of the 2026 State of the Transportation System Report
• Public Hearing on draft amendments to the FY 2026/27 – 2030/31 Transportation Improvement Program
• Vision Zero Action Plan update

Visit the TPO Board page to view the full meeting agenda and packet, and to find links to watch the meetings live or on-demand: https://polktpo.com/board-and-committees/tpo-board

The meeting will be held in the Polk County Commission Boardroom, located on the first floor of the County Administration Building at 330 W. Church St. in Bartow.

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08/17/2026

🚧Construction Series Alert🚧 Central Polk Parkway construction from Polk Parkway to U.S. 17 continues to make major progress and remains two years ahead of schedule!

Crews have completed all bridge decks, keeping the project on track for summer 2027. Once completed, the new roadway will provide a more direct route for drivers and commercial vehicles, offering an alternative to local roads. A new interchange at U.S. 17 will also include turn lanes and a signalized intersection for easier access.

Strong coordination and careful planning continue to move this important project forward for Polk County.

08/06/2026

With classes resuming across Polk County, Sheriff Grady Judd is reminding drivers of a simple rule: when a school bus stop arm is out, you must stop. This protects students, parents and school staff.

08/05/2026