As Part of Building the Wekiva Parkway
Construction has begun to widen State Road (S.R) 46 to six lanes from Orange Boulevard to Oregon Street-Wayside Drive as part of building the Wekiva Parkway. Initial work includes clearing vegetation between International Parkway, S.R. 46, and Wayside Drive for a planned retention pond. Traffic safety devices are also being set up at this time.
In the coming weeks crews also will begin preparing the median of S.R. 46 to shift traffic onto temporary lanes. Work began on July 15, 2019, and is scheduled to finish in 2021.
The final section of the $1.6 billion parkway, Section 7B involves non-tolled improvements on S.R. 46 from Orange Boulevard to Wayside Drive-Oregon Street near Interstate 4 in Seminole County. Work on this 1.3-mile project will include widening S.R. 46 within the existing right of way, as well as installing street lighting, medians, bike lanes, traffic signal upgrades, drainage, and other roadway features. Work also will include a 10-foot sidewalk along the south side of this corridor.
Media inquiries should be directed to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Communications Office at [email protected] or by phone at 386-943-5473. For more information visit the project website at wekivaparkway.com, and follow the project on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
More Project Information
The Wekiva Parkway is completing the beltway around Central Florida, while helping to protect the natural resources surrounding the Wekiva River. The FDOT and the Central Florida Expressway Authority so far have completed 13 miles of the eventual 25-mile toll road. The parkway provides travel alternatives, enhances safety and relieves area roads of traffic congestion.
Environmentalists refer to the Wekiva Parkway as a good example of transportation planning through environmentally sensitive areas. Parkway development has included conserving more than 3,400 acres of land, building wildlife bridges, and largely elevating the expressway to separate vehicles and wildlife.
FDOT urges all drivers to stay alert and use caution while driving through or near construction zones. When driving, walking, or bicycling, remember to pay attention and follow the rules. Safety doesn’t happen by accident.
