Unified Planning
Work Program

The Unified Planning Work Program outlines the transportation planning projects and programs to be undertaken in Polk County, Florida, by the Polk Transportation Planning Organization. In accordance with Titles 23 and 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and Chapter 339.175 of the Florida Statutes (F.S.), the fiscal year 2024/25 – 2025/26 UPWP serves as the foundation for allocating federal, state and local funds for Polk County’s transportation planning.

Covering the period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026, the UPWP details all planning tasks and related activities developed by the Polk TPO and other transportation planning agencies. Updated every two years, the UPWP is essential for addressing the transportation issues that matter to residents, elected official, and transportation professionals. These issues are identified and defined through the Polk TPO’s public involvement process. The UPWP justifies the level of effort for each task and specifies the requirements for federal, state and local funding.

The UPWP is developed by the Polk TPO’s staff in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), members of the Polk TPO Board, the Technical Advisory Committee and members of the Adviser Network. The document is divided into the following sections:

Comprehensive Transportation Planning Activities

Northeast Polk County Subarea Study: A detailed examination of transportation needs and solutions for this specific area.
Transit Development Plan Major Update: An update of the county’s transit development plan to enhance public transportation.
SunRail Extension: Planning for the SunRail commuter rail system’s extension.
Vision Zero Action Plan: A strategy aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

Planning Priorities

Local: Addressing specific transportation needs within Polk County.
Polk Vision’s Infrastructure and Safety Team: Collaborating with local initiatives to improve infrastructure and safety.
State and Federal: Aligning with broader state and federal transportation goals.
Safety: Enhancing transportation safety across the county.
Equity: Ensuring equitable access to transportation resources.
Resilience: Building a transportation system that is resilient to challenges such as climate change and natural disasters.
Emerging Mobility: Adapting to new and evolving transportation technologies and trends.

By detailing these planning activities and priorities, the UPWP ensures that Polk County’s transportation planning is comprehensive, inclusive and forward-thinking, addressing the community’s immediate and long-term needs.