The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is kicking off Project Development and Environment (PD&E) studies for improvements to the I-4 (SR 400) interchange at US 27 (SR 25) in Davenport, Polk County. The objective of the PD&E studies is to provide documented information necessary for FDOT to reach a decision on the type, design, and location of improvements.

FPID # 201210-7: Backage Road from Home Run Boulevard to Frontage Road.

The project proposes to add a new urban road “Backage Road” west of US 27 (SR 25) and south of I-4 (SR 400) from Home Run Boulevard to Frontage Road, a distance of approximately 2,200 feet. The proposed two-lane road will include a bike lane and a sidewalk in each direction. Additionally, the project would extend Heller Court to the new road and add two additional roundabouts.

A public information meeting is tentatively planned for Summer 2023 with a subsequent public hearing tentatively earmarked for Winter 2024.

You can submit comments on the studies in three ways:

1.           Via the comment link on this project website,

2.           Emailing the FDOT Project Manager Joshua Jester at joshua.jester@dot.state.fl.us, or

3.           Mailing your comment to Joshua Jester, P.E., Project Manager, 801 North Broadway, Bartow, FL 33830

What is a PD&E Study?

A PD&E study is an environmental and engineering process
development by FDOT to determine social, economic, natural,
and physical environmental effects associated with a proposed
transportation improvement project.

The process follows procedures set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and federal and state laws and regulations. It requires the combined efforts of professional engineers, planners, and scientists who collect and analyze project-related information to develop the best solution for transportation needs.