State mulls I-4 connector to Poinciana Parkway

POINCIANA, Fla. — The state is studying half a dozen roadway concepts that could link the future Poinciana Parkway to Interstate 4.

The construction projects will help an area that desperately needs it because of high traffic volume.

Drivers headed into Poinciana generally agree the trip will be anything but smooth sailing.

Bumper-to-bumper traffic can cause nightmarish conditions on the roads.

"It backs up for hours there around 5 in the evening," driver Jack Calhoun said.

"I think it's not enough road for all the citizens down in Poinciana," driver Jeremy Lindemer said.

The state approved building Poinciana Parkway for $130 million.

The Department of Transportation will dish out $3.8 million to study the idea of linking roads from the parkway to Interstate 4.

A map shows six roadway concepts that would channel traffic from the Parkway onto I-4 or close to it.

Poinciana Boulevard is one lane in many sections.

The Department of Transportation needs to get the study finished to determine if a connector would be built and how soon.

Many Poinciana residents work in Orange County and a new connection to I-4 would allow them to travel a different route to jobs.

Local residents want to see it become a reality no matter the cost.

"It seems like an awful lot of money but I do think something has to be done. You can't ignore the problem. It's not gonna go away," Lindemer said.

WFTV