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Central Florida Expressway Authority approves widening of SR-408
The Central Florida Expressway Authority passed a motion for a $218 million project that would ease traffic in downtown Orlando by expanding State Road 408 near Camping World Stadium.
ORLANDO, Fla. - A major expansion of State Road 408 is moving forward after the Central Florida Expressway Authority approved a $218 million plan to widen the highway and modernize tolling near downtown Orlando.
The project covers the stretch of the 408 near its interchange with Interstate 4, close to Camping World Stadium — an area known for heavy congestion.
S.R. 408 widening project
What we know:
The director of engineering for the Central Florida Expressway Authority, David Falk, spoke with the board on Dec. 11 about a proposal for a widening project to S.R. 408.
The upgrade will add another eastbound lane between John Young Parkway and Interstate 4, increasing the number of lanes to five.
Falk said the addition of an extra eastbound lane will ease congestion.
Enhancing safety
The project also includes a reconfigured ramp to Orange Blossom Trail, updated ramps throughout the corridor, resurfacing, new lighting, signal improvements and new pavement markings.
Falk said this will improve safety, adding, "Drivers will now have a more direct route to access S.R. 408 and I-4," Falk said.
Proposed changes to an expansion construction on SR 408. (Source: Central Florida Express Authority)
In the image above, ramps shown in blue provide access to I-4 eastbound from S.R. 408 and Orange Blossom Trail. The ramps shown in orange provide access to S.R. 408 eastbound from Orange Blossom Trail.
The project also includes milling and resurfacing, lighting, signalization, signing and pavement markings.
Modernized toll stations
CFX officials say the project also introduces a fully modernized toll system aimed at eliminating cash payments.
"The traffic backs up onto the 408 because of those interchanges," Falk explained. "It’s a safety issue with the events that are going on."
The project timeline of a expansion construction on SR 408. (Source: Central Florida Express Authority)
Project timeline
Construction is expected to begin in January and be completed in January 2029.
Bids and constructions costs of an expansion construction on SR 408. (Source: Central Florida Express Authority)
Project cost
Several construction companies submitted bids for the project.
Falk asked the expressway authority board to award the project to Hubbard Construction Company – which was one of four companies to make a bid – in the amount of $218,711,887.
Unanimous approval
The motion passed by a unanimous vote.
"I think it’s a great project for us," Commissioner Sean Parks said. "When the traffic backs up onto the 408 because of those interchanges, it’s a safety issue with the events that are going on."
Timeline:
Construction is expected to begin early next year and continue through 2029.
The Source: This article was written with information sourced from the Central Florida Expressway Authority.