ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida drivers know the frustration of traffic all too well, especially on State Road 408 from Orange Blossom Trail to I-4.
“I spend about 15, 20 minutes a day in that section just waiting to get past,” Leveon Perkins said about his daily experience on this specific stretch of the expressway.
To address the congestion, the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) is set to approve a $218 million construction project to add an extra eastbound lane on S.R. 408. The plan also includes improving interchanges and on and off-ramps and constructing modernized gantries.
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“Well, in particular, and especially in the downtown area, we do need another lane because it’s always congested no matter what time of the day it is, especially during rush hours, and there’s room for another lane,” Perkins said.
At Royal Auto Repair on OBT right off S.R. 408, co-owner Yassir Haitot expressed support for the improvements.
“I drive around this area all the time. It’s a lot. So, if they come in to add more lanes or anything, it would be great, I’d really appreciate it,” he said. “Sometimes it’s a nightmare for us here, and what we need to do is add more lanes.”
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Today, the CFX will meet and discuss awarding the $218,711,886.99 contract for the project to Hubbard Construction Company. If awarded, construction would begin in January and would be completed sometime in 2029.
This project is just one of several the board is discussing. Another key topic is the Southport Connector project, which would link Poinciana Parkway to the Florida Turnpike. The board meeting is at 9 a.m.