Based on the needs outlined in this report, several actions are recommended. The recommendations consist of:
A Mobility Analysis with more detailed analysis focused on a larger section of US 27
A PD&E study to connect SR 70 and SR 66
A PD&E study to connect SR 66 to US 98
In addition, a Corridor Access Management Plan (CAMP) is proceeding independent of this study's findings. Discussions with District One Safety Office staff provided the team with insight into upcoming access management reviews of the corridor study limits. The crash analysis, coupled with local complaints and coordination with the Community Traffic Safety Team, have prompted the District to pursue access modifications.
A comprehensive feasibility study is recommended to ensure the US 27 corridor adequately accommodates the evolving transportation demands of the Heartland region. Expanding the analysis area to include Polk County will capture the regional impacts of land use and planned developments, freight growth and new strategic network connections, including improvements on SR 60 and Central Polk Parkway at the north end and SR 70 at the south end. This approach will continue to evaluate opportunities for improvements along the existing US 27 corridor and adjacent communities to support the stated purpose, in addition to addressing critical considerations for the corridor's future:
Land Use Integration: The study should incorporate future land-use data from Highlands County Planning and Zoning. This data will be instrumental in understanding how anticipated developments such as county-wide thirty 6% of population growth adjacent to US 27, notably residential subdivisions, approximately twenty 5% growth in employment including industrial growth near Sebring Airport, will have major impact on traffic patterns. This knowledge will inform strategies to manage future demand and encourage multi-modal transportation options in growing communities. Additionally, a more detailed land-use study encompassing Polk and other neighboring counties would provide a holistic view of regional development trends and their alignment with the overall transportation vision.
Strategic Freight Management: The study should delve into freight operations within the corridor. US 27 is a major SIS corridor and designated as regional facility that provides high-capacity connections between limited access facilities and regional freight activity centers, serving the region through movements for long-haul truck trips and accommodating high volumes of truck traffic. One of the major goals identified by Florida trade and logistics 2030 is elevating the gross domestic product, jobs and manufacturing output. Highlands County anticipates around 60% growth in value of commodity flow by 2045. Additionally, 97% of freight movement is by trucks in the county. This consists of truck percentage from ten to 40% along the corridor. Considering the projected trade and logistics growth in Polk County, along with the expansion of logistics centers across the regions, integrating freight into the transportation network becomes crucial. This proactive approach will not only alleviate congestion on US 27 but also improve efficiency for the growing regional economy.
Enhanced Network Resilience: Recent hurricane events highlighted the lack of redundancy within the current transportation network. The study should identify strategies to improve route options
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