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Punta Gorda–Charlotte MPO adopts 2050 long-range transportation plan, adds I‑75/Kings Highway operational study
Summary
The Punta Gorda–Charlotte County MPO board unanimously adopted a financially constrained 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan that shifts emphasis to near-term, high‑value projects and includes an operational evaluation of the I‑75/Kings Highway/Veterans Boulevard corridor.
The Punta Gorda–Charlotte County Metropolitan Planning Organization board unanimously adopted its 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan after a public hearing and board discussion Tuesday, approving a financially constrained list of capital and operational projects and adding an operational evaluation of the I‑75/Kings Highway/Veterans Boulevard corridor.
The plan, which planners described as constrained to projected revenues, concentrates on near‑term intersection and capacity improvements, maintenance of existing transit service, and prioritized bicycle and pedestrian projects. During the public hearing the MPO’s consultant team stressed that failing to adopt the LRTP would jeopardize federal funding flows.
Mark Ispass, a transportation consultant for Kimley‑Horn who presented the draft plan to the board, said the LRTP prioritizes projects that can move forward in a tighter revenue environment. He told the board the cost‑feasible portion for capacity projects totals about $518 million in year‑of‑expenditure dollars and noted that rising costs and modest revenue growth required focusing on “bang‑for‑buck” projects and studies rather than large new corridors in the immediate term.
The adopted plan lists a range of projects in Charlotte County, including a segment of Burnt Store Road widening, an initial two‑lane phase of the Tucker’s Grade extension, intersection improvements along U.S. 41 (including Taylor Road), and a study and phased strategy for operations between Kings Highway, Veterans Boulevard and I‑75. The plan also incorporates transportation priorities from adjacent agencies, such as coordination with the Lee County MPO on South‑county corridor planning.
MPO staff and the consultant team said the I‑75/Kings Highway operational evaluation will scope short‑, mid‑ and long‑term options, including potential bridge or interchange elements and coordination with FDOT and neighboring MPOs. Board members said the study is intended to identify a phased path that can align with available funding and potential Statewide Interstate System (SIS) involvement.
Public commenters asked the board to keep pressure on timely delivery of major projects and expressed concern about near‑term safety at high‑traffic locations. Richard Russell, a resident, singled out the Harborview area and a planned commercial development as examples of how delayed roadway capacity can create safety and congestion problems.
After closing public comment, the board moved to adopt the 2050 LRTP, authorized the MPO chair to sign the adoption resolution and directed MPO staff to make any non‑substantive edits requested by FDOT and other reviewers. The motion carried on a recorded roll call vote; board members voted unanimously to adopt the plan.
The MPO staff said additional feedback from FDOT central office and the Federal Highway Administration will be incorporated in a final publishing step. The board noted the LRTP is a living framework: projects and priorities can be updated as new funding or partner commitments arise.
