Southport Connector Plan: What It Means for Cypress Parkway

The Central Florida Expressway Authority has finished a study on the Southport Connector. The plan would link I‑4 at SR 429 to the Turnpike and Canoe Creek Road. It cuts through Poinciana, raising a new span in Cypress Parkway’s median. The goal is to turn the road into six lanes and fix key traffic spots like Doverplum, Marigold Avenue, and the Pleasant Hill curve. The report says the new road will ease traffic on Cypress Parkway and boost regional travel. It also adds 8‑foot wide paths for walkers and bikers on both sides of the corridor. CFX says all nearby businesses will keep access during construction. Emergency vehicles would also move more easily. Several route options were examined. All run east of the Pleasant Hill–Cypress bend, south of Lake Tohopekaliga, past existing and planned homes, and Disney land. Three main ideas were labeled Alternative 3000, 4000, and 7000 from north to south. They all meet just west of the Turnpike, then head 1. 3 miles to Canoe Creek Road. A new study will soon look at SR 515 up to US‑192 and Nova Road.

At least two options involve widening Southport Road. CFX will work with agencies and groups to tackle concerns like wildlife near the Lake Russell Cultural Site and the Osceola County Environmental Study Center. For the western part of Cypress, CFX suggested a “wall” with grade separations. This would be cheaper but hit many homes and businesses. Residents called it “The Great Wall of Poinciana” and said it would cut off south‑side homes from north‑side shops. Another idea was a bridge made of U‑beams, but it would be costly to build and maintain. After listening to residents, a hybrid plan emerged: build bridges east of Marigold Avenue and use the wall from Poinciana Parkway to Marigold. This mix is still under review. The report also looked at a “No‑Build” option. It says this would not meet traffic needs through 2045 or improve system connectivity. The option was kept for public feedback and comparison to the preferred plan.

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