City proposes $22M upgrade projects for Cypress Gardens Boulevard and US 17

The City of Winter Haven is taking significant steps to enhance local infrastructure with two major road improvement projects aimed at increasing safety and accessibility for residents. During the recent Agenda Review Meeting on March 19, 2025, city officials discussed plans to submit proposals for funding to the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) for improvements on Cypress Gardens Boulevard and US Highway 17.

The Cypress Gardens Boulevard project, stretching approximately 1.7 miles from Old Helena Road to Lake Florence Drive, is set to include the installation of a 10-foot multiuse path, infill sidewalks, street trees, and improved lighting at key intersections. The estimated cost for this project is around $14.2 million. Meanwhile, the US Highway 17 project will cover about 2.8 miles from Third Street Southwest to Haven Dale Boulevard, featuring the removal of a continuous center left turn lane in favor of raised landscape islands, wider sidewalks, and upgraded street lighting, with an estimated cost of $8.2 million.

These projects are part of a broader vision established in 2021, which aimed to enhance pedestrian safety and traffic flow in these busy corridors. City officials emphasized the importance of these improvements in making the areas more pedestrian-friendly and reducing traffic conflicts. The proposed changes are expected to create safer crossing points for pedestrians and improve overall traffic efficiency.

In addition to the road projects, the meeting also addressed an administrative request to amend the city’s comprehensive plan to include policies for the Central Park Parkway East corridor. This amendment aims to ensure that future developments align with the city’s transportation goals, similar to previous projects that required developers to dedicate right-of-way for essential infrastructure.

City officials acknowledged the need for regular updates on road conditions and improvements, with a suggestion for quarterly reports to keep the community informed about ongoing projects and traffic volumes. This proactive approach aims to enhance communication with residents and address their concerns regarding transportation.

As Winter Haven moves forward with these initiatives, the city is focused on creating a safer, more accessible environment for all residents, reflecting a commitment to improving community infrastructure and quality of life.