CFX Advances Two Corridor Studies to Next Phase
Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) is moving forward to further study two proposed transportation corridors: the Poinciana Parkway Extension/Interstate-4 Connector and the Osceola Parkway Extension.
The CFX Board voted unanimously on March 8, 2018 to conduct Project Development & Environment (PD&E) studies on the two corridors, which could add 22 miles of expressway.
The two corridors were among four Concept, Feasibility and Mobility Studies that CFX conducted over the last year. The Board accepted the findings of the other two studies, deciding to revisit the Southport Connector Expressway and the Northeast Connector Expressway corridors as conditions warrant. More than 40 people provided public comment during the Board meeting.
The studies addressed traffic congestion, population growth and identified options for building connections to Interstate-4, State Roads 429 and 417 and Florida’s Turnpike in Osceola, Orange and Polk counties. CFX began the concept studies in April 2017.
Each corridor study involved community input, with more than 1,300 people offering over 630 comments at six public workshops. The community input process included 10 Environmental and Project Advisory Group meetings and nearly 60 stakeholder meetings.
“The community’s engagement has been so robust throughout these studies,” said CFX Board Chairman Fred Hawkins, who also chairs the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners. “I’m very proud of how citizens from throughout this region – especially from Osceola County – came forward to be a part of this process and to have their voices heard. Many of the corridor alternatives in these studies are a direct result of that vital public input.”
CFX will begin the PD&E studies later this year. The Osceola Parkway Extension study is expected to take nine to 12 months while the Poinciana Parkway Extension study likely will take 12 to 15 months.
More than 40 people spoke during public comment at the March 8th Board meeting at CFX headquarters.
The studies will determine a recommended alignment, or route, for each of the two proposed corridors. Public involvement and input will continue to be a crucial component of the study process.