Sanford

The New Year is here and drivers in the Sanford area may have noticed a subtle change in the way a couple of roadways are numbered and designated on the City’s north side. The long-term implications of this major road transfer are expected to boost ecotourism as well as spur community development possibilities for years to come.
Late last year, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) transferred ownership of U.S. Highway 17/92–also known as State Road (S.R.) 600–along Lake Monroe to the City of Sanford and Seminole County. The transfer was the culmination of many years of work involving FDOT, Seminole County and the City of Sanford.
The transfer will assist the City of Sanford in developing, expanding and maintaining its RiverWalk Phase 3 project along Lake Monroe, eventually west to the area of the Central Florida Zoo. This final phase of the RiverWalk will include 2.4 miles of trail, seawall and roadway construction from Central Florida Regional Hospital (Mangoustine Avenue) to just east of Interstate 4. It will complete the five-mile RiverWalk system and connect to the Seminole and Volusia County trail systems. The roadway construction will boast many beautification, pedestrian safety and traffic calming elements such as, scenic overlooks, roundabouts and themed landscaping, allowing for an immediate speed reduction to 45 mph.
“As we move forward with RiverWalk Phase 3, a $23 million investment to the City, this jurisdictional transfer goes hand-in-hand toward enhancing this scenic roadway along beautiful Lake Monroe for both drivers and pedestrians, providing great opportunity for our residents and visitors to continue to enjoy Sanford and all its diverse and wonderful amenities,” said Mayor Jeff Triplett.
For its part, FDOT has relocated the U.S. 17/92 – S.R. 600 designation to a portion of S.R. 46, as well as to what was formerly Monroe Road/County Road (C.R.) 15, which runs north and south between S.R. 46 and where U.S 17/92 passes under Interstate 4.
Alan Hyman, Transportation Operations Director for FDOT District 5, said, “While safety, mobility, and connectivity have always been a part of FDOT’s resume, the department also understands the importance of economic development and leveraging resources for the benefit of Florida citizens. This is a win-win.”
Drivers should be on the lookout for new signage appearing on the newly designated roads. The new designations may take some time to show up on GPS mapping and directions used by various applications. FDOT advises drivers to pay attention, drive with care and always buckle up.