FDOT’s Bold Plan: Elevating County Line Road to End Train Delays!

County Line Road and US 92, Polk City, Florida, USA - At the intersection of County Line Road and US 92, daily traffic troubles are becoming a thing of the past, thanks to an ambitious project from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Trains roll through this busy area at least eight times each day, often causing headaches for drivers and creating congestion that Tim Hibbs, a local business owner, personally battles during rush hours. He arrives at his gate and fence company at the early hour of 5:30 a.m. just to beat the delays, but still finds himself caught in traffic as evening approaches.

This crucial intersection isn’t just a nuisance for commuters; it’s a vital route for trucks, servicing the many warehouses that dot the region. With these dynamics in mind, the FDOT is stepping up to improve the flow of traffic by raising the roads above the railroad. According to ABC Action News, the upgrade is seen as a welcome change by the community, with Project Manager Adam Rose noting that there is significant support for these enhancements.

Elevated Roads on the Horizon

The crux of the project lies in elevating County Line Road above the existing CSX railroad line, a move aimed at separating vehicle and pedestrian traffic from railroad operations. This plan, laid out by FDOT, includes several alternatives for addressing the traffic dips that have plagued drivers, especially during high-speed train crossings. Residents and business owners have been invited to weigh in, with public meetings held to discuss the options.

• Alternative 1 (Elevated Intersection): Both County Line Road and U.S. 92 are raised, creating a four-way intersection.
• Alternative 2 (Northeast Quadrant Roadway): County Line is raised while U.S. 92 continues below it, with a small roadway linking the two.
• Alternative 3 (Northwest Quadrant Roadway): Similar to Alternative 2, but shifts County Line to the east.

As the project moves forward, the area under consideration extends from Amberjack Drive to Frontage Road, harmonizing with broader transportation goals in Florida. The project is currently in the Development and Environment Study phase, with final approval expected by summer 2026, as reported by The Ledger.

Community Engagement and Future Steps

To make this process as transparent as possible, FDOT is holding another virtual public meeting on July 17 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is a golden opportunity for locals to express their opinions and concerns about the project. With previous public meetings already conducted, feedback from residents will play a crucial role in shaping the final design.

Beyond improving traffic conditions, this initiative aligns with a wider network of transportation projects within Florida, tracked through initiatives outlined by FDOT here. These projects are structured around input from local governments and underscore a long-term strategy to enhance the state’s transportation infrastructure.

In summary, while residents like Tim Hibbs manage daily frustrations caused by train delays, the future looks brighter with the FDOT’s plans to elevate County Line Road. Enhanced traffic flow promises to not only save time for drivers but also invigorate the local economy by easing truck access along vital commercial routes. There’s truly something to be said for making such impactful changes to our daily commutes.