ORLANDO, Fla. – Neighbors got a closer look Tuesday night at a major Central Florida Expressway Authority project on State Road 408 near Camping World Stadium, with some hoping it will finally ease one of Orlando’s most frustrating traffic bottlenecks.
The project is focused on the 408 toll road, but it also includes improvements on the city streets around it.
CFX says the work will add a fifth eastbound lane on 408 between Orange Blossom Trail and Interstate 4, while also reworking ramps near the Tampa Avenue interchange. The agency says the goal is to improve traffic flow through a heavily traveled stretch near downtown, especially during daily commutes and major events.
Plans also include local improvements below the roadway, including wider sidewalks, new lighting, landscaping and other changes meant to improve safety and walkability near Jones High School and Camping World Stadium.
Kay Barrington, who owns property near Tampa Avenue, said she came to Tuesday’s meeting looking for answers about traffic in the area.
“I was concerned about, mainly the traffic flow,” Barrington said. “We seem to have a lot of problems with traffic. And especially when they’re trying to come out, leave the event.”
Barrington said event traffic can cause gridlock in the area and wanted to know whether the new design would really keep cars moving.
After speaking with project representatives and engineers, she said she felt better about the process and believed her concerns were heard.
“They wanted me to write down my suggestion and they’re going to escalate it,” Barrington said. “So I’m happy about that.”
Barrington said she was initially intimidated when she walked into the meeting, but felt more comfortable speaking up after seeing others ask questions and gather information.
“I just felt comfortable just exploring it, putting my concern on the table as well,” she said.
Orlando City Commissioner Shan Rose said residents’ top concern has been traffic flow and limiting disruption to the surrounding community. She said the local street changes are also important because they include pedestrian-focused upgrades such as wider sidewalks and more lighting.
Brian Hutchings with CFX said the project is designed to improve traffic flow both on the toll road and on the streets around it.
He said the added lane should reduce lane changing and backups on 408, while longer and improved ramps near the stadium should help move traffic off local roads more efficiently after events.
Hutchings also said many of the local improvements could be finished within the next year to year and a half, while the overall project is expected to be complete in early 2029.
Major construction is expected to begin this month.