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.
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