Polk County seeks public input on potential high-speed rail station

LAKELAND, Fla. — Polk County leaders are looking for public feedback as they study the possibility of adding a high-speed passenger rail station along the I-4 corridor.

The Polk County Transportation Planning Organization recently launched an online survey to help determine a potential location for the station and identify the benefits it could bring to the area.

At the Lakeland Senior Hub, leaders say a high-speed rail station could help further their mission. Executive Director Cece Christian said the center is the first of its kind in Lakeland, offering programs, activities and resources for older adults under one roof.

“That would open a great opportunity for them that they would be able to go and be more independent, and that’s what we’re really trying to help too,” Christian said.

Volunteer Sherrie Long agreed as she said they’re already looking forward to the opportunities a station could bring.

“We would love to take our seniors to other parts of the state of Florida,” Long said. “This would be another proponent that would give people a place and come and go and be able to do it easily because as you know, a lot of people as they age can’t drive.”

Ryan Kordek, executive director of the Polk County Transportation Planning Organization, said public input is a huge part of the process.

Kordek said the study will evaluate potential locations and amenities. It will also consider existing infrastructure, future development plans and how people would access the station.

“It’s going to be really important that that site be in close proximity of I-4 and that you have access to it. So something like having an interchange or a road that goes over Interstate 4 so you got access to both sides to the interstate is important that we’re looking at,” Kordek said.

The survey will remain open until Nov. 20. Residents interested in participating can visit the Polk County Transportation Planning Organization’s website.

Polk County seeks public input on potential high-speed rail station

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