FAQs
What is Design-Build?
Design-Build is a method of contracting that combines the design and construction of a project under one contract. Normally, a project is designed first, and then bid & built by a contractor at a later time. For Design-Build, construction can begin before some aspects of the design are complete, thus reducing overall time for the design and construction of a project.
What all is included in this project?
The Polk Parkway will be widened from 2 lanes to 4 lanes for the last approximately 2 miles of the Polk Parkway (MP 22 to 24). Funding issues prevented the entire last 6 miles of the Polk Pkwy to be widened. Also included is a new interchange at Pace Road. Pace Road was just widened by Polk County from 2 lanes to 4 lanes and it will eventually lead to the new USF Polytechnic campus being built on the west side of the Polk Parkway. Also included will be modifications of the existing Toll Plaza at MP 21, which will add one SB Sunpass Only Lane and convert one NB lane to Sunpass Only.
When will this project start and finish?
This project will begin in January 2010. Construction of the new southbound roadway section (earthwork construction) will begin in early 2010 while the Final Design is still ongoing. Other construciton activities are expected to begin in Spring 2010.
The construction is currently scheduled to be complete by Fall 2011. This is so construction will be complete before the new USF Polytechnic campus opens.
Polk Parkway Widening & Pace Rd Interchange