FDOTProjectWidens24-MilePolkParkwaytoFourLanes

POLK from page 1 ect will alleviate congestion from local roads.”

The project includes widening Polk Parkway between Old Dixie Highway/County Road (CR) 546 to south of Pace Road, constructing a new interchange at Polk Parkway and Braddock Road and widening Braddock Road from west of Polk Parkway to Berkley Road. It will improve local roads, including the realignment of the city of Auburndale Water Treatment Plant access road, the neighborhood access road south of Braddock Road and minor resurfacing on Berkley Road at the Braddock Road intersection.

It also will include new signage, pavement marking, signalization, lighting and drainage.

French said Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise is responsible for the planning, design, construction and funding of the project.

“Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise has been deeply invested in Polk County from 1998, when Polk Parkway first opened to traffic, to last year with the transition to electronic tolling on Polk Parkway. Polk County is Florida’s fastest growing county and the heart of the central Florida region. Once the agricultural hub of central Florida, Polk County is now a prime location for new businesses in manufacturing, logistics, distribution and technology.”

Work began in 2021. Upon completion, Polk Parkway will be widened to four lanes for the entire 24-mi. length of the parkway.

“In addition,” said French, “the conversion to all electronic tolling not only eliminates the need to stop or merge to pay tolls, improving safety and enhancing mobility on the system, but it lessens environmental impacts like noise and auto emissions. Additionally, electronic tolling means no fumbling for cash in what’s becoming a primarily cashless society.”

Lane closures will generally take place during off-peak hours to minimize traffic congestion and delays for most drivers. Closures will be announced in advance in the central and west central Florida weekly lane closures and work zone advisory. Because there is construction taking place after dark, crews must be extra cautious.

“Safety is always the number one concern working at night, especially with traffic coming close to the work crews and inspection staff. All staff utilize the proper high visibility safety gear, the contractor has portable light plants to illuminate the work zone and off-duty law enforcement is typically on site to encourage motorists to slow down in the area.”

Ranger Construction Industries Inc. serves as the contractor, which French described as one of the state’s leading road building companies.

“They have performed road work from St. Augustine to the Keys and west to the middle of the state and beyond. Ranger’s capabilities include building, reconditioning and resurfacing everything from major roads, highways and Interstate sections to local streets, intersections and turning lanes. Ranger’s operations include one of the largest excavations, grading and asphalt equipment fleets in the state. They own and operate numerous asphalt plants that are strategically located.” see POLK page 73

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