POLK COUNTY, Fla. \u2014 A new tolled road in Polk County is ahead of schedule and could open next summer, offering drivers a more direct north-south route between U.S. 17 and the existing Polk Parkway.<\/p>\n
The Central Polk Parkway is a 6.5-mile road that will connect U.S. 17 to the Polk Parkway at Winter Lake Road. The project was originally expected to be completed in 2029, but the Florida Turnpike Enterprise now says it is expected to be finished next summer.<\/p>\n
The road is expected to help with congestion in an area that has seen increased development and heavier traffic, including more truck traffic.<\/p>\n
Jolynn Atherton, a Bartow native who co-owns Counter Effects by Roger near U.S. 17, said traffic along the road has grown significantly over time.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have seen the traffic on Highway 17 get monstrously heavy,\u201d Atherton said.<\/p>\n
Atherton said she believes the Central Polk Parkway will help reduce through traffic and improve commutes for people who live in the area.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it will eliminate a lot of the throughway traffic so that the people who actually live in the area will be able to have a more efficient commute back and forth,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n