Project Description

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for proposed improvements to SR 544 (Lucerne Park Road) from Martin Luther King Boulevard to SR 17 in Polk County. During the study process, FDOT will develop roadway improvements or "build" alternatives that involve widening the existing two-lane road to a four-lane road. FDOT will evaluate each "build" alternative for social and environmental effects, safety needs, additional right-of-way needs, and public input. Throughout the study process, FDOT also considers the "no-build" alternative, which assumes no improvements to SR 544 (Lucerne Park Road) other than routine maintenance through 2045.  

Need for the Project
The proposed improvements for SR 544 (Lucerne Park Road) will accommodate increased traffic demand, including truck traffic, generated by projected growth in Polk County. FDOT anticipates this project will also enhance safety along the project corridor; improve emergency evacuation; and improve connectivity between Martin Luther King Boulevard and SR 17.

Project Funding
The design phase for the section from Martin Luther King Boulevard to Lucerne Loop Road is included in fiscal year (2023) of the FDOT's Adopted Five-Year Work Program. There is currently no funding for right-of-way and construction phase of this project.

FDOT welcomes and appreciates everyone's participation in the project. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pursuant to 23 U.S.C 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.

Public Workshop

FDOT held a public workshop for SR 544 (Lucerne Park Road) project, with a live virtual event and a live in-person event on February 8, 2022. Materials were also available for review and comment through this website from February 1, 2022.

The workshop comment period is now closed, but you may still view a copy of materials presented below.