The Central Florida Expressway Authority has approved the $2.5 billion Southport Connector Expressway, a new controlled-access roadway aimed at easing congestion in southern Osceola County. The roughly 15-mile expressway would link Poinciana Parkway with Florida’s Turnpike and I-4. CFX expects toll revenue to cover part of the cost, with additional state and federal transportation funding needed to deliver the project.
Government Market News reported:
Southern Osceola County has experienced steady residential and employment growth over the past decade. As the population has increased, traffic demand has strained existing arterial roads. CFX plans describe the Southport Connector as an approximately 15-mile east-west expressway that would connect Poinciana Parkway with Florida’s Turnpike, as well as connect to Interstate 4 (I-4) via the planned Poinciana Parkway Extension. Current concepts include up to six travel lanes, grade-separated interchanges and elevated segments where needed to address terrain and environmental constraints. Transportation officials have stated that the Expressway will benefit local individuals regardless of their use of it – by taking traffic off Cypress Parkway.
Project costs are estimated at approximately $2.5 billion. CFX expects toll revenue to support a portion of the capital and long-term operating costs, but projections indicate tolls alone will not fully fund the project. As a result, CFX may rely on a combination of state and federal transportation funding, phased construction strategies and alternative delivery models.
As the project moves forward, CFX is expected to release solicitations for professional services, design-build teams, construction packages, right-of-way acquisition support, environmental mitigation and tolling systems. Once delivered, the Southport Connector Expressway is expected to play a central role in addressing congestion, supporting economic growth and improving travel reliability in one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing regions.
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