Osceola County, one of the fastest-growing areas in Central Florida, is currently undergoing significant road construction efforts to accommodate its rapid population growth. As of recent data from the U.S. Census, the county’s population saw the addition of more than 15,000 people, bringing the county’s population to nearly 438,000 between 2022 and 2023. With this growth comes the inevitable need for new infrastructure and improved transportation systems.
Tawny Olore, assistant county manager for Osceola County, highlighted that the county is seeing a substantial increase in construction projects. “We have a lot of roads getting ready to go under construction,” Olore stated. The object of these projects is particularly focused on improvement and expansion.
The construction process in Osceola typically spans a seven-year period, from planning and design through to actual construction. In the immediate future, residents can expect major improvements to several roads, including Westside Boulevard, Sinclair Boulevard, State Road 532, and South Poinciana. Additionally, the widening of roads like Simpson Road, Boggy Creek Road, Partin Settlement Road, and Neptune Road are underway to help accommodate the growing traffic demands. As intersections are being improved, roadways are also subsequently being widened. New roads, like Sunbridge Parkway, are also in the works.
The Florida Turnpike, the Central Florida Expressway Authority, and the Florida Department of Transportation are also involved in several major projects in the area. Notable among these is a new beltway that will encircle the county, along with a new interchange at the Kissimmee Park Road exit.
“It’s going to be hard for a little while. But we’re working to help the situation,” Olore added, acknowledging the challenges the construction will pose for local residents in the short term. However, she reassured the public that efforts are underway to alleviate the disruptions caused by the ongoing work.
Funding for these extensive infrastructure projects comes from various sources, including federal grants, taxes, and mobility fees paid by developers. Over the next five years, more than $2.5 billion will be invested in transportation improvements throughout the county.
Some of the current construction projects underway include:
- Boggy Creek Road Improvement
- Cyrils Drive Improvement
- Fortune Road and Simpson Road Intersection Improvements
- Kissimmee St. Cloud Connector Trail (C-31 Canal Trail)
- Marigold Avenue Roundabouts
- Neptune Road Improvement
- Partin Settlement Road
- Poinciana Boulevard
- Simpson Road North
- Simpson Road South
- Westside Boulevard Extension
Additionally, another 14 are in currently in the planning or design phase. While this roadwork may cause headaches for drivers, the long-term goal of these projects is to create a transportation system can support both current and future residents.
