Proposed Amendment to the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan for SR 70

The Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization will consider an amendment to the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan to support the continued advancement of improvements on SR 70 from CR 721 South to CR 599/NW 128th Avenue in Highlands County.

2050 LRTP Amendment.pdf

Download PDF • 189KB

The Florida Department of Transportation District One Corridors Department requested the amendment to maintain planning consistency for the project. This segment is part of the broader SR 70 corridor improvements already identified in the HRTPO 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan Cost Feasible Plan.

FDOT is currently advancing the Project Development and Environment phase for SR 70, identified as FPID 450334-1. That phase is anticipated to be completed on or before June 26, 2026. To maintain project momentum after the PD&E phase, FDOT has identified an approach to begin design activities using remaining funds within existing contracts.

During coordination with HRTPO staff, FDOT clarified that design for this segment is associated with FPID 450334-2: SR 70 from CR 721 South to CR 599/NW 128th Avenue. The rough cost estimate for design is $15,132,062. FDOT has requested that the HRTPO update the 2050 LRTP Cost Feasible Plan to reflect design funding in the FY 2026–2030 timeframe.

The proposed amendment would not create a new local funding commitment. FDOT has indicated that the design effort is expected to be addressed through remaining funds within existing FDOT contracts and project cost redistribution. Because this approach uses existing contract funds and does not add a new programmed phase, FDOT has also indicated that no Transportation Improvement Program or State Transportation Improvement Program amendment is anticipated.

Updating the 2050 LRTP Cost Feasible Plan will support consistency between the LRTP and FDOT’s project development approach. It will also allow FDOT to continue advancing the project following completion of the PD&E phase and preserve flexibility for potential future delivery options.

The HRTPO Board will consider Resolution 05-2026 authorizing the amendment to the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan to advance design funding for the SR 70 project. If approved, HRTPO staff will transmit correspondence to FDOT confirming planning consistency.