Southport Connector Expressway – Connecting Poinciana

At the April 10 TPO Board meeting, representatives from the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) presented on the Southport Connector Expressway – Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study.

The PD&E Study began in September 2020 and is the initial phase of determining right-of-way acquisition. The 15-mile, east-west expressway will connect the Poinciana Parkway with Florida’s Turnpike and link to Interstate 4 using the planned Poinciana Parkway Extension.

The project aims to address congestion on local roads, enhance regional connectivity between Florida’s Turnpike and Interstate 4, and balance regional needs with community concerns.

Improvements include widening a portion of County Road 580 (Cypress Parkway) in Polk County to six lanes, from State Road 538 (Poinciana Parkway) to Marigold Avenue, along with constructing an elevated expressway along Cypress Parkway.

Elevated options such as wall, bridge structure or hybrid alternatives are being considered. The project is intended to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists by upgrading intersections and creating a multi-use trail.

Other benefits include more reliable travel times for work, school and medical appointments, enhanced safety with fewer collisions, improved emergency response and evacuation times. In addition, reduced stop-and-go traffic will help lower carbon dioxide emissions and fuel costs.

Public involvement is important to the PD&E study process. Opportunities for public participation will be available during the study, including public meetings and surveys.

For more information and to provide public comments, visit MovePoinciana.com.