September 2024
Florida continues to outpace the nation in growth, with Highlands County emerging as an attractive destination due to its affordability and strategic location. Centrally positioned, the county has also become a key freight hub for the State, enhancing its economic significance. The recent surge in residential and business growth has significantly impacted travel in the area, which is described below. Increased traffic from new housing developments, commercial establishments, and industrial activities has put greater demand on the local transportation network. The growth highlights the need to evaluate the transportation system to prioritize safety and support the local community.
Highlands County is centrally located, providing easy access to Tampa, Orlando, and South Florida, where 86 percent of the state's population lives. As this region continues to grow, it's crucial to assess the infrastructure to identify necessary improvements proactively to address the issues shown below.
Disruptive events highlight the limited travel options today (evacuations, detours)
Competing demand for mobility options that include cars, trucks, and nonmotorized transport
US 27 is a critical roadway serving Highlands County and is significantly impacted by this growth. As a Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) facility for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and a federally designated freight corridor, US 27 is a priority for future investment. Upon review of the current conditions along this highway, FDOT identified several challenges, including: safety conflicts between travelers, increased truck usage, the lack of alternative routes, and incompatibility with the adjacent communities' long term vision for growth. In response, FDOT conducted a feasibility study to determine necessary improvements to address these issues. The improvements aim to maintain the efficient and safe movement of goods and people, support Highlands County's growth plans, and ensure that US 27 continues to support the region's development.
The study confirmed the changing character of US 27 and highlights the need for additional analysis to refine improvements that enhance mobility and safety. To address this, the FDOT will conduct a Mobility Analysis along the entire roadway and two Project Development & Environment (PD&E) studies that cover the most populated areas of Highlands County.
ENHANCED SAFETY IS THE PRIMARY GOAL. COMMUNITIES DRIVE TRANSPORTATION DECISIONS.