OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County roads are handling more cars than ever, and studies show the infrastructure can not keep up. Now, county leaders are working to get ahead of a looming traffic crisis on one of its most congested corridors.
For drivers who travel Canoe Creek Road daily, the gridlock is nothing new.
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“Every time I go to work or go really anywhere, it’s a crazy amount of traffic,” said Aaron Delgarn.
The frustration is shared by many.
“I have to leave my house an hour and a half early, especially in the morning. It’s three miles. If I leave my house at 6:00, it’s going to take me one hour to get to the turnpike,” said Jesny Saintmelus.
According to the county, 13,500 cars use Canoe Creek Road daily — a number that could reach 39,000 by 2045. Without improvements, the corridor is expected to operate at unacceptable levels of service.
One section of the road, from U.S. 192 to Deer Run Road, is already slated for expansion from two to four lanes. Now, a second stretch is under review.
Right now, the county is doing a study on potentially widening Canoe Creek Road from Deer Run Road to the future Southport Connector Expressway. That expressway would connect Poinciana Parkway to the Turnpike.
Osceola County is holding a public meeting tonight for residents to learn more about the proposed widening project. The project would also add pedestrian and bicycle accommodations.
Some drivers are excited, but not without reservations.
“I’m optimistic about it. We’ll see. Plus, it might take five years to complete, but then it’s going to be more traffic,” Saintmelus said.
Thursday night’s meeting is in person from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Magnolia Room at St. Cloud Community Center, 3101 17th Street, St. Cloud, FL 34769. For more information, click here.