The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) has recently approved the construction of a new toll road, State Road 516 (SR-516), to connect Lake and Orange Counties. This expressway, beginning just south of Lake Louisa State Park in Lake County, is a significant development for the rapidly growing regions, according to Brian Hutchings, CFX's Manager of Community Engagement.
The first phase of the project, with a construction contract over $218 million, was unanimously approved by CFX's board on Thursday. The total estimated cost for the entire expressway is $534 million. Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks highlighted the economic potential of the project, including a planned interchange that could foster job creation in Lake County.
A unique feature of the SR-516 Expressway is its plan to be one of the most sustainable and conservation-minded roads globally. It will include a dynamic charging road for electric vehicles (EVs), developed in partnership with ASPIRE and ENRX.
Initially, this charging system will be tested with a fleet of EVs, with the goal of eventually charging all types of EVs. The expressway, designed to be environmentally friendly, will also feature a wildlife underpass and pathways for pedestrians and cyclists.
Scheduled to begin construction in Spring 2024, the expressway is expected to be completed by 2027. Parks envisions the project as a global leadership model in sustainable infrastructure. The 4.4-mile expressway, divided into three segments, aims to improve connectivity between the two counties, meet transportation demands, support economic growth, provide emergency services access, and create a sustainable facility balancing transportation needs with conservation.
Sign up for Florida of Tomorrow's free newsletter to receive the latest real estate and new business information shaping the Florida of Tomorrow below.