Central Polk Parkway/Interstate 4 Interchange Location Study
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is proceeding with the process of determining where the proposed Central Polk Parkway connects with Interstate 4. FDOT District One began the process in August 2011 following approval of a State Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) in March 2011.
This federal process usually takes between 18 and 30 months to complete. An environmental document that satisfies the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 is prepared, since I-4 is on the Federal Highway System. The process determines the location and type of interchange that will minimize impacts to I-4, provide adequate access for the Central Polk Parkway, and consistency with local, regional and state plans. The federal process concludes with approval of the environmental document by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
The Central Polk Parkway SEIR provided a potential interchange location between US 27 and CR 54 in Polk County. The federal process is evaluating additional interchange locations between US 27 and SR 429 (Western Beltway) in Osceola County. The interchange concepts are refined and analyzed under more specific conditions to determine the best location(s) for the interchange to be constructed.
Since the approved Central Polk Parkway alignment is adjacent to Osceola County, FDOT District Five and Florida's Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) are involved due to potential impacts to roadways in their jurisdictions. The connection with I-4 also requires coordination with local governments, regional planners and developers.
