A road that has been promised for almost 30 years -- Poinciana Parkway -- is now officially open.

  • Poinciana Parkway is a 10-mile stretch between Osceola and Polk Counties.
  • Northern half opened Saturday
  • Remaining portion will open in the fall

The northern half of Poinciana Parkway from U.S. Highway 17-92 at Kinny Harmon Road to Marigold Avenue opened Saturday afternoon. The remaining portion from Marigold Avenue to Cypress Parkway is expected to open in the fall.

Irving Martinez has been living in Poinciana for nearly a decade. it frustrates him that until now there's only really been one way in and out.

"To get in and out of Poinciana in the afternoon-- atrocious," said Martinez. "Getting out in the morning, an hour just to get to Kissimmee."

In fact, Poinciana is often referred to as having one of the worst commutes in all of Florida.

Osceola County Expressway Authority officials hope that perception will change with Poinciana Parkway, a $140 million project.

The Parkway currently has two tolls. With an E-pass, the toll will be $1.75 North of Marigold Avenue and 50 cents if you're going North of KOA street.

All tolls will be charged electronically, but that won't go into effect until June 1st.

"When we actually designed this road we looked at the opportunity to go four lane versus two lane,” Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington said. “Unfortunately the cost of going four lane immediately was just too high. And if we would've done that, that cost of construction would have also been added to the cost of your toll."

There are thoughts of extending the road over to State Road 532, connecting to I-4 and to the turnpike south of Lake Toho, as well.

"We are not stopping. This is not the only road we are doing,” said Osceola County Expressway Authority Atlee Mercer. “The Osceola County Expressway Authority is committed to building a beltway around in the urban growth area of Osceola County, very much mirroring the beltway around Orange County."

Despite the road only being two lanes and having tolls, Martinez says he's looking forward to burning some rubber on this new parkway.

"My daughters live in Orlando so this is a faster way," said Martinez. "Now they will be able to visit me because there is a faster way to Poinciana. Before they didn't even wanna try to come to Poinciana of the traffic."