The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, has initiated a Feasibility Study to evaluate the potential grade separation of CSX A-Line and County Line Road in Polk and Hillsborough Counties that removes all vehicle and pedestrian conflicts with CSX Railroad. This study will include traffic operation and pedestrian improvements along both County Line Road and US 92.

County Line Road serves as a dividing line between the City of Plant City in Hillsborough County and the City of Lakeland in Polk County. At the intersection of County Line Road and US 92, the Polk County Obelisk stands as a signal for travelers entering Polk County from Hillsborough County. While County Line Road is utilized for evacuation and distribution purposes, it is not designated as a Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) facility. The corridor houses various distribution, manufacturing, and transport facilities, including the Lakeland Linder International Airport.

There is a significant amount of warehouse space connected to County Line Road, extending from the entrance of the Publix Distribution Center to US 92. Over the years, a considerable portion of warehouse space, totaling millions of square feet, has been constructed within a specific stretch of this corridor. This development has contributed to increased traffic, particularly involving delivery vehicles and employees crossing the at-grade railroad crossing located south of US 92.

The at-grade crossing experiences delays caused by the railway traffic. The CSX A-Line, an SIS Railway Corridor, has multiple train crossings each day, including passenger trains traveling at high speeds. These crossings result in delays for vehicles, both when the crossing gates are down and when specific vehicles, such as buses or trucks, must stop regardless of gate status, leading to further delays for other vehicles in the same lane.

Based on the District One Districtwide Highway Rail Grade Separation: GIS Suitability Model (Phase II) Final Report (2019), the at-grade crossing at CSX A-Line and County Line Road has been identified as a high-priority location for grade separation. The recommendation for grade separation is supported by various factors, including a high number of crashes, costly crossing maintenance, proximity to a freight hub, evacuation designation, and substantial heavy train and truck traffic.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, invites you to a public meeting for the County Line Road Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study from Amberjack Boulevard to Frontage Road South in Polk and Hillsborough Counties.  The County Line Road Feasibility Study has advanced into the PD&E phase and is now referred to as the County Line Road PD&E Study.

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the separation of CSX A-Line railroad and County Line Road in Polk and Hillsborough Counties. This study includes traffic and pedestrian improvements along both County Line Road and US 92. The County Line Road study limits extend from Amberjack Boulevard north to Frontage Road South. 

These proposed improvements are intended to enhance safety for the traveling public along County Line Road by separating the vehicle and pedestrian movements from the railroad crossing. The preliminary alternatives were developed and will be presented at this public meeting along with providing the community with an opportunity to meet the project team and provide comment. 

FDOT provides three ways to participate: 

•    In-person event: April 24, Thursday, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Lakeland – Lodwick Room, 3839 Don Emerson Dr, Lakeland, FL 33811. 

•    Virtual webinar presentation: April 29, Tuesday, from 5 – 6 p.m. 
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3910402554922240352

•    Online through the project website: https://www.swflroads.com/project/446404-1

All meeting materials will be available online Thursday, April 24, 2025.  

FDOT is sending notices to all property owners and tenants within at least 300 feet of either side of the proposed project and to public officials, regulatory agencies, businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in the project to provide the opportunity for comment.  

While comments about the project are accepted at any time, please provide your comments by Thursday, May 8, 2025, to be included in the formal public meeting record.  A summary of the meeting comments and responses will be available on the website approximately 30 days following the meeting.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, comments can be provided through the project website at http://www.swflroads.com/446404-1, by emailing FDOT Project Manager Adam Rose at Adam.Rose@dot.state.fl.us, or mailing FDOT District One, Attn: Adam Rose, P.O. Box 1249, MS 1-40, Bartow, FL 33831-1249. Any questions, please contact Adam Rose at (863) 519-2832. 

FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2287 or email at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us at least seven days prior to the meeting.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.