The purpose of this Feasibility Study (Study) is to evaluate the existing US 27 corridor from CR 17 to SR 17 in Highlands County to identify regional safety, mobility and accessibility needs that support the surrounding economy and quality of life for adjacent communities. The Study was conducted as a high-level analysis to identify constraints for capacity improvements to the US 27 corridor. The need for this study originates from District One's identification of US 27 as a priority investment corridor. This high-level planning study reflects the visions and goals outlined in the Florida Transportation Plan and the Florida Department of Transportation Project Development Process.
US 27 is the main north-south roadway through Highlands County connecting the Heartland Region to South and Central Florida. Running as a four to six-lane principal arterial divided highway, the posted speed limit ranges from 45 mph to 65 mph. Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is limited to the urban areas of Avon Park and Sebring. Segments of US 27 around the Highlands/Polk County Line, Avon Park, Sebring and south of SR 66 are anticipated to be at or near capacity by 2045 making the quality of transportation service also unacceptable by FDOT level of service (LOS) targets for the State Highway System (SHS). A roadway analysis using field collected data is needed for portions of US 27, including an analysis of potential parallel facilities or alternative routes which will add motorized and non-motorized capacity, improve safety, and optimize freight operations to support the regional economy and preserve the quality of life for communities along the corridor.
The study corridor represents approximately 50 miles of US 27 through Highlands County, Florida. The limits extend from CR 17 at the southern end to SR 17 at the northern end and include the communities of Lake Placid, Sebring, and Avon Park. Figure 1 displays the US 27 study corridor and the surrounding region.
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