OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County has been busy improving traffic flow with projects like additional lanes and an upgraded intersection at Fortune Road on Simpson Road.
The county has allocated millions of dollars for road improvements to keep up with rapid population growth, which is expected to increase by 50% by 2040.
Osceola County Chairwoman Viviana Janer celebrated the completion of two projects in the county on Tuesday.
“We are super excited to wrap up both the Fortune Road and Simpson Intersection and the Simpson Road phase south,” said Janer, who is also the District 2 Commissioner.
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Local driver Marvin Allen told News 6 he could already see the difference when driving in the area.
“I believe I see an improvement in the traffic flow with the new construction on the road. It’s been a really good improvement, I believe,” he said.
While some projects are wrapping up, others are still under construction or in the planning stages, including widening over 5 miles of Poinciana Boulevard and expanding Boggy Creek Road. Plans also include turning part of Neptune Road from two lanes to four to accommodate increasing traffic.
“With people come vehicles, and so we have to do whatever we can to keep that traffic flowing,” Janer said.
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Allen agrees and feels adding lanes is no longer an option, but a necessity.
“It’s great because it’s going to be more people coming in the future. And, of course, it’s the tourist state. So it’s going to be great to see some great improvements that have been needed,” he said.
County commissioners have made road improvements a top priority, passing a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan in their most recent budget that foresees spending $1.09 billion through 2030.
“We’re also getting ready to start a safety improvement on Buenaventura Lakes Boulevard. So, everywhere you turn, we’re committed to improving not only our infrastructure, but also our safety,” Janer said.
To learn about ongoing and upcoming road work in Osceola County, click here.