Progress Update on Central Polk Parkway

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise presented the status of the Central Polk Parkway project at the Dec. 9 Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) board meeting. In partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), this project is a part of a tentative Five-Year Work Program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and will reshape travel across the region by expanding the Central Polk Parkway.

Central Polk Parkway/SR 570B

From Polk Parkway/State Road 570 to U.S. Highway 17/State Road 35

The project, FPID 440897-2,  involves the construction of the Central Polk Parkway/State Road 570B, a new four-lane tolled roadway. The route begins at Polk Parkway/State Road 570 and Winter Lake Road/State Road 540 and extends about 6.5 miles to U.S. Highway 17/State Road 35. Work includes modifications at the State Road 540 interchange and a new link to U.S. Highway 17.

Construction started in March 2023 and is nearly two years ahead of schedule. Estimated at $257 million, the project completion is expected by summer 2027, with some construction continuing through 2029.

The parkway is designed to meet Polk County’s growth by easing congestion, providing a more direct north-south route, and expanding evacuation options. Safety features include skid-resistant pavement, new guardrails, wrong-way driver detection, and highly reflective signage and markings.