The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for a potential expansion of the SunRail commuter rail service into Polk County.  Right now, the service operates over 61 miles with 17 stations connecting the greater Orlando region, running from DeLand in Volusia County to Poinciana in Osceola County. The proposed expansion would extend service to Haines City in Polk County, with stations in the Loughman area, Davenport, and Haines City.

Need for the Project

Polk County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country as population is forecasted to grow to nearly 1.2 million by 2050. More than half of this growth is expected to occur in the northeastern portion of the county. To support this growth, additional transportation options are needed to ensure continued mobility for Polk County residents and visitors alike.

Study Process

The PD&E Study will examine project options, benefits of the expansion, environmental considerations, preliminary conceptual costs, and potential strategies to fund the expansion. The study will also look at the potential for economic development as a result of the expansion and how it would improve mobility. The study is in its beginning stages and will evolve over the next year and a half, resulting in a project recommendation and locally preferred alternative.

What is a PD&E Study?

A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is an environmental and engineering process developed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to determine social, economic, natural, and physical environmental effects associated with a proposed transportation improvement project. The process follows procedures set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and federal and state laws and regulations. It requires the combined efforts of professional engineers, planners, and scientists who collect and analyze project-related information to develop the best solution for transportation needs. An Important component of the process is public and agency coordination.

As public involvement opportunities become available, they will be posted here.

To come.