Lake County is ranked among the top 3 fastest growing counties in Florida with a projected growth of 23% by 2030. South Lake County is set for a significant wave of road construction projects beginning in 2025, aimed at improving infrastructure, traffic flow, and safety.
Several key projects have secured funding and are in various stages of planning and design.
Citrus Grove Road Expansion
- Phase 1: Complete
- Phase 2: Currently in design, with funding from an $8 million state legislative apportionment and a $1 million federal legislative apportionment. The estimated construction cost is $23 million, with work expected to begin in Winter 2025.
- Phase 3: Complete
- Phase 4: Complete
- Phase 5: Estimated completion by August 2025
- $8 million in impact fees.
Hooks Street Extension
Construction of the Hooks Street Extension is planned for 2025-26, with a total estimated cost of $21 million. Funding sources include:
- $2.5 million from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
- $2 million in impact fees
- $1.5 million from county sales tax
- The project is split into two sections: $13 million for the east section and $8 million for the west section.
- Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Villa City Road Safety Project
A safety improvement project on Villa City Road will be constructed in FY 2025, estimated at $7.4 million. Funding includes $3.3 million from FDOT, and construction will be phased based on available funding:
- Center section: Improvements at turns
- North section: Adding shoulders
- South section: Adding shoulders and drainage
Wellness Way Corridor Improvements
Several upgrades are planned for Wellness Way and its surrounding infrastructure:
- Traffic signal at US 27 and Wellness Way: $800,000 (Completion May 2025)
- Four-lane expansion of Wellness Way from US 27 to Hancock: $1.5 million (Planned for FY 2027)
- Hancock Road widening from Wellness Way to Hartwood Marsh: $9 million (Planned for FY 2025)
- Hartwood Marsh Road expansion to four lanes: $16 million (Impact Fees, FY 2026)
- SR 561 Lake/Orange Connector
North Hancock Road Extension and Trail
-
- Trail funding: $2 million legislative appropriation
- Road funding: $20 million impact fee credit
- Phase 1: Complete
- Phase 2: Under construction, with sidewalk and trail included
CR 455 / Ray Goodgame Boulevard Widening
- Phase 1 & Phase 2: Complete
- Phase 3A (Lost Lake to Johns Lake): Right-of-way acquisition phase, with $2.5 million allocated for construction.
- Phase 3B (Johns Lake to Hartwood Marsh): Right-of-way acquisition phase, with $32 million estimated for construction.
Hancock Road Widening
A four-lane expansion of Hancock Road from the Florida Turnpike to CR 561 is planned for 2025-26, featuring a pedestrian tunnel to enhance safety and connectivity.
Sawgrass Bay Boulevard Roundabout
The new Sawgrass Bay Boulevard Roundabout is set for completion by May 2025, with a $2.5 million construction cost. Additionally, Orange County will begin construction on an adjacent project in late 2025.
Conclusion
These infrastructure investments aim to support the growth and development of South Lake County, improving safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing connectivity for residents and businesses.
For further details and information, contact the Office of Economic Development at 352-343-9647 or economicdevelopmentinfo@lakecountyfl.gov.
