New Sidewalks, Lighting, Extended Roads, and Multiuse Paths Coming to Cypress Gardens Boulevard and US Highway 17
by James Coulter
Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists will be able to enjoy new amenities along Cypress Gardens Boulevard and Highway 17, including upgraded landscaping, lighting, sidewalks, and multi-use paths.
At their meeting on Mon. Mar. 24, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve two resolutions supporting the application for funding from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Both resolutions were to show the city’s support of FDOT funding for pedestrian, streetscape, and safety improvements to Cypress Gardens Boulevard and US Highway 17 respectively.
“In both Plans, the goal is to transform each roadway to a more urban feel supporting all forms of transportation,” wrote Planning Manager Sean Byers in the city agenda memo. “These are resolutions of support for FDOT Grant funding to make improvements to Cypress Gardens
Boulevard and US Highway 17, and are not specifically defined as a goal or strategy in the Strategic Plan.”
The improvements to Cypress Gardens Boulevard, which are estimated to be $14.24 million for design and construction, include:
• Extending approximately 1.7 miles along Cypress Gardens Boulevard from Old Helena Road/South Lake Florence Drive to Waterview Way;
• Installing a minimum 10-foot multi-use path on at least one side of Cypress Gardens Boulevard; and
• Improving the intersection at LEGOLAND Way.
The improvements to US Highway 17, which are estimated to be $8.22 million for design and construction, include:
• Extending approximately 2.8 miles along US Highway 17 from Cypress Gardens Boulevard to Havendale Boulevard (SR 544)
• Removing portions of the continuous center left-turn lane and replace with raised landscape islands
• Widening existing sidewalks to a minimum of 6 feet in width; and
• Upgrading street lighting.
Linda Pfeiff, Vice President of the Traditions HOA, spoke during public comments to commend the city commission for considering these improvements. She especially commended them for the multiuse trail proposed for Cypress Gardens Boulevard, which would help encourage pedestrian and bike traffic.
“We commend you for looking forward,” she said. “We recommend you do long-term planning with the use of multi-use trails.”
