Highlands County is expected to see a 54% increase in population. 12 miles of US 27 have crash rates above the statewide rate.

US 27 serves a major freight corridor carrying up to 43% truck traffic.

Limited parallel facilities exist. Potential 67 minute detour to the nearest alternative route. Multiple segments of US 27 have more vehicles (up to 20% more) than can be accommodated.

The Mobility Analysis will include a regional traffic, safety, resiliency, and freight evaluations to determine what specific improvements would address existing and future needs. It will also extend into Polk and Glades Counties to assess how enhancements to US 27 will interact with improvements under evaluation by neighboring studies.

Key Components of the Mobility Analysis:

» Operational improvements within limits of the PD&Es

» Regional project coordination

» Consideration for future change in character

The 2024 Feasibility Study supports a need for two PD&E studies: One from SR 70 to SR 66 and one from SR 66 to US 98.

A PD&E study is an environmental and engineering process which determines social, economic, natural, and physical environmental effects associated with a proposed transportation improvement project. It requires the combined efforts of professional engineers, planners, and scientists who collect and analyze project-related information to develop the best solution for transportation needs. An important component of the process is public and agency coordination.

The following needs are based on the 2024 Feasibility Study findings, and guide the purpose for evaluating improvements.

» Network Resiliency