Polk TPO

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Polk TPO The Polk Transportation Planning Organization, commonly referred to as the Polk TPO, is the lead transportation planning agency for Polk County.

A spot for answers about Polk County road and trail projects, a forum for public comments on Polk County mobility options and information on how Polk County is going to further connect with metro Orlando and/or metro Tampa in the near future. The TPO develops transportation plans and programs for Polk County as mandated by federal and state legislation, which are designed to meet the short- and long-term travel needs of more than 600,000 residents who utilized more than 2400 miles of roadways and nearly 400 miles of trails in the county (numbers that are growing by the month). Transportation projects, e.g., road widening projects or bus service expansions, are planned and programmed by the TPO in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), transportation operators and local governments.

10/14/2026

The next step of the County Road 557 widening project was recently approved.

On Oct. 6, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved a $90 million construction contract with Jr. Davis Construction Company Inc. for the County Road 557 widening project planned in Lake Alfred.

The project will widen County Road 557 approximately 5.7 miles from West Alfred Street to Interstate 4 East. The project is intended to improve capacity along the existing roadway, provide accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists and improve intersection safety and operations.

Project construction is estimated to be completed in the Spring of 2030.
For more information, visit: https://ow.ly/aezw50ZWU9e.

A new trail connection is taking shape in Bartow.Along with celebrating Greenways and Trails Month, we are celebrating p...
10/12/2026

A new trail connection is taking shape in Bartow.

Along with celebrating Greenways and Trails Month, we are celebrating progress being made on the trail bridge that will carry the Fort Fraser Trail over State Road 60 (Van Fleet Drive) in Bartow.

The bridge will connect the trail’s north and south sections, giving people walking and bicycling a dedicated crossing over the busy highway. The connection is estimated to be completed by summer 2027.

10/12/2026

Practice, school runs, weekend games β€” the back seat gets busy this time of year! βš½πŸŽ’

Before you put the car in drive, make sure everyone is buckled up. A properly fitted seat belt is your child's best defense on EVERY trip, no matter how short.

Polk County is home to 120 trails totaling nearly 400 miles. These trails offer opportunities for walking, bicycling, hi...
10/10/2026

Polk County is home to 120 trails totaling nearly 400 miles. These trails offer opportunities for walking, bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, with plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors close to home.

At the Oct. 8 board meeting, the Polk Transportation Planning Organization proclaimed October as Greenways and Trails Month in Polk County.

Grab your walking shoes, bike or paddle and celebrate by exploring a favorite trail or discovering a new one. Share your favorite trail in the comments.

We want to hear from you.The Polk TPO is conducting the I-4 Passenger Rail Station Study to explore how future high-spee...
10/08/2026

We want to hear from you.

The Polk TPO is conducting the I-4 Passenger Rail Station Study to explore how future high-speed, intercity passenger rail service could connect Polk County to major destinations across Central Florida and beyond.

The study will help identify potential station locations and amenities that best serve Polk County residents and visitors. Your feedback will directly inform future study recommendations.

βœ… Take the survey
βœ… Share it with friends and family
βœ… Help shape the future of transportation in Polk County

πŸ”— Survey: www.research.net/r/PolkTPOi-4

Update: If you were not able to attend, you can watch the meeting on-demand at https://reflect-polk.cablecast.tv/show/78...
10/06/2026

Update: If you were not able to attend, you can watch the meeting on-demand at https://reflect-polk.cablecast.tv/show/7822

The Polk TPO Board will meet on Thursday, Oct. 8. You are invited to attend and learn about current transportation planning efforts taking place in Polk County.

The meeting will include:
β€’ Presentation on Interstate 4 Passenger Rail Station Study
β€’ Proclamation recognizing October as Greenway and Trails Month
β€’ Public Hearing on draft amendments to the FY 2026/27 – 2030/31 Transportation Improvement Program
β€’ Presentation on the FDOT District One Safety Strategic Plan
β€’ Presentation of amendments to the FY 2026/27 – 2027/28 Unified Planning Work Program
β€’ Citrus Connection public transportation update

Visit the TPO Board page to view the full meeting agenda and packet, and to find links to watch the meetings live or on-demand: https://polktpo.com/board-and-committees/tpo-board

The meeting will be held in the Polk County Commission Boardroom, located on the first floor of the County Administration Building at 330 W. Church St. in Bartow.

10/05/2026

What's happening at U.S. 27 and I-4? 🚧 Crews are creating a new free-flowing southbound lane and improving ramp access to help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow and safety for drivers. Learn more: https://movingi4forward.com/US27/

09/30/2026

Early Voting gives Polk County voters more flexibility.

From October 19 through 31, registered voters can ride Citrus Connection FREE to any of 10 Early Voting locations across the county. 🍊🚌

Unlike Election Day, registered Polk County voters may vote at any Early Voting site, not only their assigned polling location. Sites are open on specified dates and times, so check the details before traveling.

09/28/2026

Slow down and stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. It's the law.

Thank you to everyone who joined the Polk Vision Zero Community Workshop on Sept. 23. Polk TPO staff were joined by comm...
09/25/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined the Polk Vision Zero Community Workshop on Sept. 23. Polk TPO staff were joined by community leaders, business owners and residents to share their ideas for improving safety at South Broadway Avenue and Summerlin Street in Bartow.

The Polk TPO staff and project consultant will use the input gathered to help shape a temporary demonstration project. Once the design is finalized, the project will test potential safety improvements and help guide decisions about longer-term changes.

We’ll share more details as plans take shape. The demonstration project is expected to be implemented this December.

City of Bartow, a Florida Municipality Main Street Bartow

Address

330 W Church Street, Drawer TS05, PO Box 9005
Bartow, FL
33830

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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