Polk Vision Zero Public Meetings for Safety Demonstration Projects in Bartow and Wahneta
Polk County residents can help shape safer streets at upcoming public meetings in Bartow and Wahneta. The meetings will gather community input for Polk Vision Zero safety demonstration projects planned for both locations.
Unlike major roadway projects that can take years to design and build, demonstration projects can lead to visible changes in a matter of months.
As part of the Polk Vision Zero Action Plan, the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is working with local communities in the following areas of concern:
- South Broadway Avenue and Summerlin Street in Bartow
- Rifle Range Road between Seventh Street and 13th Street in Wahneta
What is a demonstration project? 
A demonstration project uses temporary, low-cost materials to test street safety ideas before major permanent changes are made.
This approach, sometimes called tactical urbanism, helps turn planning ideas into action more quickly. Instead of relying only on plans, drawings or computer models, temporary improvements are installed on the street so people can experience how they work in real-world conditions.
Depending on the location, temporary materials may include painted crosswalks, painted curb extensions, flex posts, cones, potted plants or other movable traffic devices. Because the improvements are temporary, they can be monitored and adjusted based on data and community feedback.
The Polk TPO will evaluate each project using before-and-after data, community feedback and other site-specific measures. Results will help identify what worked, what could be improved and which changes may be worth considering for permanent safety improvements.
Results vary by location and project type, but past demonstration projects have documented benefits such as reduced vehicle speeds, fewer speeding incidents, increased walking and bicycling activity and positive economic impacts.
Get involved in Bartow
The Polk TPO is partnering with the City of Bartow on a demonstration project at South Broadway Avenue and Summerlin Street in downtown Bartow.
Community members are invited to attend a Polk Vision Zero Community Workshop from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St. in Bartow.
At the workshop, participants can learn more about the project, share their experiences walking, bicycling and driving through the intersection and provide input on potential safety improvements.
Feedback from the workshop will help determine the temporary design for the demonstration project before it is installed and tested. Dates and more information about the demonstration project implementation timeline will be available after the initial public meeting.
Why South Broadway Avenue and Summerlin Street?
South Broadway Avenue and Summerlin Street is a busy downtown Bartow intersection with high pedestrian activity and nearby businesses and destinations.
The area also includes a transition from two to four travel lanes and has a history of serious crashes, making it a priority for potential safety improvements.
Possible temporary improvements at this location include painted crosswalks, painted curb extensions and flex posts.
Get involved in Wahneta
A second demonstration project is planned along Rifle Range Road between Seventh Street and 13th Street in Wahneta.
Residents, businesses and people who travel along Rifle Range Road will have an opportunity to provide input before temporary improvements are installed.
The date, time and location for the community meeting will be announced once details are finalized. Additional information about the demonstration project and implementation timeline will be available after the public meeting.
Why Rifle Range Road?
Rifle Range Road between Seventh Street and 13th Street has several safety concerns, including a history of serious and fatal crashes.
The corridor is also part of Polk County’s High-Injury Network, which identifies roadways where serious and fatal crashes are concentrated. Nearby businesses, homes and other destinations also generate pedestrian activity along the corridor.
Potential temporary improvements could include cones, potted plants and other movable traffic delineators.
Stay connected
Community participation is an important part of both projects. Whether you walk, bicycle or drive through these areas, your experience can help inform what comes next.
Stay connected with Polk TPO for project updates, workshop information and other opportunities to participate. Join the Adviser Network for email updates or follow Polk TPO on Facebook for the latest updates.