The Florida Department of Transportation’s SunRail extension study was approved by the Polk County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) in October 2023, when it entered the project development + environment phase. Soon, the TPO is expected to decide whether the expansion will become a reality.
By the numbers
Let’s take a look at SunRail’s possible Lakeland expansion, by the numbers.
- $839 million-$1.08 billion — The cost to extend SunRail into Lakeland at $27 million per mile.
- $18.7 million-$24.3 million — What local governments would pay annually to operate the full Lakeland extension
- 9.7 million — How many riders SunRail has serviced since it began in 2014
- 5.2 million — How many people are projected to live in the seven Central Florida counties by 2030 (800,000 more than in 2018)
- 800,000 — How many cars a SunRail extension into Polk County would take off of roads per year (think: fewer crashes and less greenhouse gas emissions)
- 315,000 — The projected annual ridership for the extended line to Lakeland, starting in 2035.
- 1 — What Polk County ranks among Florida’s fastest-growing counties
The SunRail timeline
Now that you know the big numbers, here’s a timeline of the SunRail expansion conversation:
- 2019 — FDOT began exploring options for commuter transportation to accommodate more residents.
- 2021 — US Rep. Darren Soto proposed SunRail stops in Polk — fast forward to 2023, and the TPO was still considering a SunRail expansion in Polk.
- February 2023 — A feasibility study to explore options for extending SunRail’s line from its current southernmost point in Poinciana to Lakeland aimed to:
- Create cost effective investment
- Ensure equitable mobility for all
- Improve economic growth and access
- Ensure environmental stewardship
- Increase public awareness
- March 2023 — Polk County hosted an online survey for residents to share their thoughts on locations, features, and more. With 4,800 responses, the survey made it clear that Polk County is pro SunRail.
- October 2023 — FDOT’s SunRail extension study moved into the project development + environment phase.
- August 2024 — Polk’s TPO is expected to decide whether to keep moving forward with expansion plans.
What you need to know
Where would it stop?
SunRail may run through nearby cities like Davenport and Haines City before reaching Lakeland, where a stop at a planned intermodal center near the RP Funding Center is being considered.
When would it be complete?
County Commissioner George Lindsey said in 2023 that an informed decision on the rail’s future in Polk most likely wouldn’t be made for two to three years.
Why add commuter rail stops in Polk?
With a goal of increased connectivity and easier access to jobs similar to what larger metro areas offer, the commuter rail system has the potential to provide new modes of transportation to Polk County residents.
What other transportation projects are planned?
Two developments are in the works on I-4 in Polk County, including an interchange remodel at SR 33 and an expansion from US 27 to ChampionsGate.
While we wait for a potential SunRail expansion, take a ride on one of Lakeland’s Amtrak trains.
