Residents Rally Against $200M Toll Road Connecting SR-417 and Sanford Airport

Sanford, Florida, USA - The discussion surrounding the proposed toll road connecting SR 417 to Orlando Sanford International Airport is heating up in Seminole County. The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) recently held a crucial meeting to outline the project’s goals and garner public feedback. The aim is to ease congestion by directing traffic away from East Lake Mary Boulevard, a route currently plagued by significant delays, particularly during rush hour and inclement weather. CFX cites an increasing demand at the airport and growing traffic concerns as key motivations for the project.

The proposed toll road, called alignment „2A,“ is planned to start at the 417 near the Lake Jesup Toll Plaza and extend north of East Lake Mary Boulevard, eventually reaching the entrance of the airport. CFX asserts that this route offers the shortest distance with the least environmental impact. This could potentially mean a reduction of 15,000 to 17,000 vehicles per day on East Lake Mary Boulevard by 2050, a welcome prospect for frustrated commuters.

Public Concerns

Yet, the project has sparked a wave of concern among local residents. At a public hearing held at the Sanford Civic Center, attendees expressed their fears regarding the potential impact on their homes, properties, and local environment. Residents like Rebecca Burke and Brian VanDusen, who have lived in the area for decades, voiced apprehension about losing their homes due to the toll road’s proposed route. Public sentiment at the hearing leaned heavily against the project, with worries extending to property value depreciation and environmental implications, especially around areas such as Mellonville Avenue and Pine Way.

Over the years, this project has been in the pipeline for nearly two decades, and significant advancements are being made in the final stages before presenting the preferred route to the CFX Board in October. These public meetings are essential as they offer residents the chance to voice concerns that CFX officials are promising to consider before making the final decision.

Funding and Future Opportunities

The estimated construction cost for the toll road stands at over $200 million. This raises eyebrows among residents, many of whom question the use of taxpayer money for a project that might adversely affect their lives. In a broader context, dealing with traffic congestion has become a pressing issue across the U.S., costing drivers more than $88 billion annually, as highlighted by the National League of Cities. Innovative funding solutions and strategies to manage congestion are called for, with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presenting several programs aimed at supporting such initiatives.

These include the Congestion Relief Program and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, which aim to provide funding for projects that reduce congestion and improve air quality. As the construction details for the toll road unfold, local leaders are encouraged to consider these broader measures and strategies that could address traffic concerns more sustainably and equitably.

In summary, the proposed toll road project to connect SR 417 and Orlando Sanford International Airport stands at a crossroads. As public hearings continue and the October board vote looms, it remains to be seen how CFX will balance the need for improved infrastructure with the valid concerns of local residents. With discussions on traffic and funding ongoing nationwide, Seminole County’s situation echoes many of the challenges facing communities striving to adapt to growing transportation demands.