SR 60 within the project limits is part of the State Highway System and Florida’s Strategic Intermodal System, our state’s network of high priority transportation facilities.  SR 60 within Polk County is designated as a hurricane evacuation route by the Florida State Emergency Response Team and is identified as an evacuation route in the Polk County Comprehensive Plan.

Currently, SR 60 within the project limits operates at an acceptable level of service.  In 2015, existing traffic volumes east of Rifle Range Road averaged about 23,000 vehicles each day.  While the purpose and need for this project is not to add capacity, we are studying an ultimate six-lane facility for the bridge structures and approaches in order to accommodate the future widening of SR 60 and eliminate the need to widen the bridges.  In addition to the proposed bridges over the CSX railroad, bridges will be provided over the Peace Creek Drainage Canal and new frontage roads will be added.