City seeks FDOT/TPO grants for multi‑use paths, sidewalks and lighting on Cypress Gardens Blvd. and US‑17

The Winter Haven City Commission on March 19 authorized submission of two Transportation Alternatives Program applications to the Polk Transportation Planning Organization and, ultimately, the Florida Department of Transportation: one for Cypress Gardens Boulevard (State Road 540) and one for U.S. Highway 17.

City staff said the Cypress Gardens Boulevard project would extend about 1.7 miles from Old Helena Road/South Lake Florence Drive to Waterview Way and include a minimum 10‑foot multi‑use path on at least one side, infill sidewalks where the path is not constructed, street trees, an improved intersection at Legoland Way and street lighting. Staff estimated combined design and construction costs at approximately $14,240,000.

The US‑17 application covers roughly 2.8 miles between Cypress Gardens Boulevard and Havendale Boulevard (SR‑544). Proposed work includes removing portions of the continuous center left‑turn lane to add raised landscaped islands as pedestrian refuges, widening sidewalks to a minimum six feet and upgrading street lighting; staff estimated design and construction at approximately $8,220,000.

City staff noted prior city resolutions (R‑21‑01 and R‑21‑12) endorsed the vision plans for these corridors in 2021 and that FDOT would decide whether to include projects in its five‑year work program; staff cautioned selected projects likely would not be funded before fiscal year 2030 and that local contributions could improve competitiveness.

Resolutions R‑25‑10 (Cypress Gardens Boulevard) and R‑25‑11 (US‑17) were adopted by voice vote; the commission authorized the city manager to execute and submit the applications and to certify or amend the capital improvements element of the comprehensive plan as required for the application process.