The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for proposed improvements west of US 27 and East of US 17 between SR 66 and US 98 in Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties. Building on the findings of the Highlands County Feasibility Study, the PD&E will assess a potential new alignment to better accommodate the evolving nature of US 27 and address key needs such as network resilience, freight movement, and safe mobility. The PD&E process, which includes the option of a No Build alternative, follows the procedures outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, along with federal and state laws and regulations.