ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Big changes could be coming to a busy stretch of State Road 50, and the Florida Department of Transportation wants the public’s input.
FDOT is in the design phase for a project on East Colonial Drive from Avalon Park Boulevard to Chuluota Road. The plan could add lanes, build shared-use paths on both sides of the roadway and make intersection improvements. It also includes additional stormwater drainage ponds.
To see what the corridor looks like now, News 6’s Amy Russo drove the route Thursday morning and quickly saw why FDOT is looking at upgrades. She reports the road is heavily traveled, with drivers moving through multiple busy intersections — and many bicyclists sharing the corridor, too.
FDOT officials said about 46,000 vehicles travel this stretch each day. Under the current concept, the roadway would go from four lanes to six lanes, adding one lane in each direction and separating traffic with a raised median.
One unique piece of the proposal would add a new access road intended for school buses, connecting the Orange County bus depot at East River High School with State Road 50 near the Corner School Drive intersection.
FDOT is also proposing new pedestrian crossing improvements at Sandy Creek Lane, where the existing sidewalk runs very close to the roadway.
If approved, construction could begin as soon as fall 2027.