After more than a year of construction, lane closures, and daily detours, a major transformation on Pine Hills Road is finally turning a corner.
Orange County’s septic-to-sewer project — affecting thousands of drivers, businesses, and a nearby school — is now in its final stage. Drivers may see relief soon, but changes along the roadway are far from over.
“Hallelujah!” said Dr. Judith Shealey of Lion of Judah Academy after hearing that update.
Shealey said the work has been happening just feet from her K-12 school.
“My clients had to go all the way down and then come all the way back just to drop off — and then had to go back down to get to work."
Nearby residents said the detours have pushed traffic onto side streets, including Deauville Drive.
“When it merges, a lot of people try to hurry up and get around, and it can cause problems,” said Arthur Mortimer, who lives in the area.
The project included installing 8,000 feet of pipe and 22 manholes along the roadway. It started in 2024 and was supposed to end last year, but it was delayed due to weather, supply chain issues, and other problems.
“When it first started, I didn’t think it was going to take as long as it has,” Mortimer said.
Even as this phase nears completion, roadwork on Pine Hills Road is expected to continue. A pedestrian safety upgrade is underway that will add crosswalks, barriers, and green space to make the area more walkable.
“Putting trees in and so forth — as well as grass in the median and those fences there. I like that — that’s nice,” Mortimer said.
Officials said that the project is expected to wrap up in 2027.
As for the septic-to-sewer project, all that’s left is resurfacing the road, which is set to start May 4 and last about three weeks.
From the county about the septiceptic to sewer project:
As stated on the website and shared at community meetings, this project is part of a statewide initiative to convert environmentally damaging septic tanks to sewer lines. This helps reduce the nitrogen produced that can negatively impact nearby Wekiwa and Rock Springs.
“The 84 parcels are being funded through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection grants, the American Rescue Plan Act, and an Orange County contribution so there is zero expense from the businesses and homeowners to become compliant with the regulations. And, their removed septic lines no longer create nitrogen that negatively impacts the natural springs. As with any construction project, timelines evolve due to weather issues, supply chain delays or other unforeseen factors. For this project, the website was updated as needed to keep residents informed. At this point, the project is substantially completed. Paving is scheduled to begin May 4 and should last three weeks.”
From the Public Works Division about the pedestrian safety project:
“Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 are scheduled to begin milling and resurfacing the first week of May, with a final completion date of October 23, 2026.
Phase 3 has a final completion date of April 7, 2027. There are approximately three more weeks of utility work remaining, after which all utility work will be complete. Drainage work began last week and is expected to continue for the next couple of months."