APOPKA, Fla. – Drivers in Apopka say relief can’t come soon enough as the city moves forward with plans to widen Ocoee-Apopka Road, one of the region’s most congested corridors.
On Monday, Apopka City Council received a presentation on the long-awaited project to expand the road from two to four lanes. The goal: relieve daily traffic backups and better support the area’s rapid residential and commercial growth.
“This is the daily reality for thousands of commuters who rely on this road to get to work, school or home,” said Vanessa Espinoza, a local commuter. “The additional lanes would definitely help with traffic, especially since more people are going to be coming in.”
Ocoee-Apopka Road is a critical connector between Apopka, Ocoee and Winter Garden, as well as surrounding unincorporated parts of Orange County. When crashes happen, the road can completely shut down, leaving drivers with few - if any - detours.
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The city says the project is part of a broader Capital Improvement Plan. It includes not just widening the roadway but also adding sidewalks, bike lanes and other “Complete Streets” elements meant to improve overall safety and access.
“For me, the four lanes mean progression for this community,” said Lloyd Barnes, a local business owner. “I believe it’s going to bring business to this community … This is an answer to my cry.”
City officials say the project is still in the design phase, with final plans expected by August 2026. No official construction start date has been set.
“We need it,” Barnes said. “Any kind of change symbolizes a bright future, and I’m looking forward to it.”
News 6 will continue tracking this project and provide updates when funding and construction timelines are finalized.
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