The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) is announcing the completion of the State Road 538 / Poinciana Parkway expansion project – a crucial transportation corridor serving fast-growing Poinciana and Osceola County. The expansion included adding two additional lanes to create a four-lane, divided expressway from Ronald Reagan Parkway to Cypress Parkway.
The newly improved parkway makes it easier and faster for residents to get to regional transportation networks, theme parks, and the Orlando metro area. The 7-mile project began in February 2021 and was completed in December 2023.
Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington, whose district includes the project area, applauded the completion. “As one of the fastest growing regions in Florida, it is imperative that our transportation infrastructure keeps pace with Osceola County’s population growth and development,” he said. “The completion of the SR 538 / Poinciana Parkway capacity improvement project is a major achievement towards that goal,” Commissioner Arrington added. “This project will deliver much-needed, shorter and more reliable travel times for area motorists. And it will help reduce congestion on local roadways by providing an efficient north and southbound alternative route between Cypress Parkway and US Highway 17/92.”
The Poinciana Parkway is the first in a series of long-term, regional transportation initiatives that will allow for the expansion of regional economic development and commerce, help improve first responder response times and provide an effective and efficient evacuation route.
The state-of-the-art design includes all electronic tolling, improving traffic flow by eliminating the need to slow down at toll plazas and providing the convenience of E-PASS or Pay-by-Plate billing. The Poinciana Parkway was only the second expressway in Central Florida to feature this innovative toll collection system.
Additionally, the SR 538 / Poinciana Parkway capacity improvements include:
- A new full interchange at Marigold Avenue, improving access for residents.
- A newly rebuilt KOA Street half interchange.
- A realigned intersection at Cypress Parkway allowing for better traffic flow at the busy crossroads.
- New wrong-way detection devices and state-of-the-art intelligent transportation infrastructure enhancing safety and roadway operations.
- A divided expressway that separates traffic, thereby enhancing driver safety.
For high-quality, downloadable images, construction and completed aerial video B-roll, a project fact sheet, and more background and talking points, visit the SR 538 Media Page.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour of the SR 538 project, please contact Brian Hutchings, Manager of Community Engagement, at 407-690-5343 or Brian.Hutchings@CFXway.com.