ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Viewers have been reaching out to News 6, raising concerns over worsening traffic on Boggy Creek Road along the Orange–Osceola county line, where major growth and ongoing construction are converging.
Orange and Osceola counties are both contending with congestion in the area, as a long-term road project works to widen Boggy Creek Road from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane roadway between Simpson Road and Narcoossee Road — a stretch of approximately 5.9 miles.
According to project information provided to News 6, the Boggy Creek Road Widening Project is about 60% complete. Crews have constructed most of the proposed westbound lanes, and two-way traffic is now operating on those new westbound lanes in a temporary configuration.
The project includes several key improvements. Plans call for 6- to 8-foot sidewalks on the north side of Boggy Creek Road and an 8- to 10-foot multi-use path on the south side. Officials say roughly half of that pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure has been completed so far.
Additional work includes drainage improvements, stormwater ponds, street lighting, and upgrades to the Jim Branch triple box culvert. Drainage improvements and stormwater ponds are approximately 65% complete, and utilities companies have begun adding light poles on the north side near Tohopekaliga High School. The Jim Branch triple box culvert work has been completed, with street lighting installation scheduled to be finished toward the end of the project.
One point of frustration for nearby residents is the lack of a traffic signal at Pearson Avenue and Grouse Avenue, which is not included in the current project plans. The widening effort does, however, include signal modifications at Nele Road, Turnberry Boulevard, and Narcoossee Road, as well as the installation of an intelligent transportation system intended to better manage traffic flow.
For families who live near the intersection of Grouse Avenue, Pearson Road, and Boggy Creek Road, the situation has become increasingly difficult.
“We need a traffic light because Boggy Creek is busy,” said Vanessa Paredes, whose family contacted News 6 about heavy congestion in the area.
Her father, Hernan, said the transformation of the once-rural corridor has been dramatic.
“You used to see horses and cows and everything. Now you see new houses,” he said, adding that since they moved to the neighborhood six years ago, traffic has worsened considerably.
Neighbors told News 6 that on some days, it can take up to 15 minutes just to turn out of their side street onto Boggy Creek Road. They say the backups are creating a daily hardship for the entire neighborhood as more communities and developments continue to open.
News 6 took those concerns to Osceola County. County officials said they are aware of the traffic issues and believe the Boggy Creek Road Widening Project will help relieve congestion once completed. The project’s expansion from two lanes to four, along with upgraded drainage and new lighting, is designed to improve safety and mobility across the corridor.
Still, residents like Paredes are not convinced that the current plans go far enough, especially when it comes to adding new signals.
“I think that it’s a little bit too late, and whatever they planned for the amount of new communities that are popping up and new developments — that’s not enough with the traffic,” she said.
Osceola County officials said they will continue to monitor traffic conditions along Boggy Creek Road and will consider additional improvements, including potential changes at key intersections, if needed after the widening project is complete.