The Central Florida Expressway Authority approved its preferred route and roadway options Thursday for a proposed $2.54 billion toll road through Osceola County connecting Poinciana Parkway to Florida’s Turnpike.
The six-lane, 15-mile Southport Connector Expressway would lessen traffic congestion for Poinciana, improve connectivity and encourage growth. The toll road would travel in the median along Cypress Parkway, then continue eastward south of Lake Toho to the turnpike.
While approved, the plan continues to raise environmental concern because it will cross the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a network of protected lands ensuring connected habitats for the state’s wildlife…