The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) began an intersection improvement and safety project on SR 540 at US 17 and SR 540 at 1st Street South in Winter Haven, Florida in April 2023. The project was completed and final accepted on May 15, 2024, and included the following improvements: 

• Added a second dedicated left turn lane from westbound Cypress Gardens Boulevard to southbound US 17

• Added a second right turn lane from northbound US 17 to eastbound Cypress Gardens Boulevard

• Lengthened the left turn lane from eastbound Cypress Gardens Boulevard onto northbound 1st Street South

• Widened and restriped southbound 1st Street to include a right turn lane, through lane and two left turn lanes

• Replaced the temporary traffic separators with concrete traffic separators on US 17 and Cypress Gardens Boulevard 

• Added a new traffic separator on 1st Street South at Post Avenue

• Improved the crosswalk striping and add pedestrian countdown signals

• Upgraded signal equipment and replace street lighting with LED lights

• Milled and resurfaced the roadway within the project limits

A construction open house at the AdventHealth Field House and Conference Center was held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, for anyone interested in viewing project exhibits or speaking with FDOT and consultant staff about the project.  This was an open house type meeting, so no formal presentation was made.

The project boards that were on display at the open house can be found in the documents section of this website.