Feasibility/Project Development
& Environment (PD&E) Study:

Lake/Orange County Connector

On October 10, 2019 the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) Governing Board unanimously approved the Lake/Orange County Connector Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study and advanced the project to production phases that include design and construction.

The future 5-mile tolled expressway will provide a nonstop access route linking heavily traveled US 27 in south Lake County to State Road 429 in west Orange County. Design is expected to begin in late 2020 with construction potentially beginning by the end of 2021.

The CFX Board’s decision contributes to the larger regional effort to improve connectivity and mobility in the rapidly expanding south Lake County and west Orange County area. The PD&E study area fell within the Wellness Way Area Plan and the Horizon West Special Planning Area, with Wellness Way anticipated to generate over 26,000 jobs and Horizon West growing to a projected workforce of more than 27,000.

Lake/Orange County Connector Preferred Route between State Road 429 and Route 27

About the Lake/Orange County Connector PD&E Study

In March 2018 CFX began the Lake/Orange County Connector PD&E Study to evaluate a limited access expressway between US 27 in south Lake County and State Road 429 in west Orange County. The goal of the study was to evaluate and recommend a viable and fundable transportation corridor that would improve regional connectivity; accommodate anticipated transportation demand; provide consistency with local and regional plans; support economic viability, job creation, and intermodal opportunities; and enhance evacuation and emergency services.

The study evaluated engineering, estimated project costs, and all alternatives and their potential impacts to the physical, natural, social and cultural environment. The study determined that the project was viable and fundable in accordance with CFX policies and procedures.

The recommended preferred alternative, Alternative 3, had the lowest social impact and lowest overall cost among the alternatives considered.

Public involvement and interagency coordination were crucial components of the study. For the Lake/Orange County Connector PD&E Study, CFX engaged more than 400 people through three public meetings and hearings, six Environmental Advisory and Project Advisory Group meetings and more than 18 stakeholder meetings.

Lake/Orange County Connector study schedule September 2019

Additional Lake/Orange County Connector PD&E Information

Email: LakeOrangeStudy@CFXway.com
Phone: 407-802-3210


Central Florida Expressway Authority

4974 ORL Tower Road
Orlando, FL 32807

Phone: (407) 690-5000
Fax: (407) 690-5011
Email: info@CFXway.com

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Draft Lake/Orange County Connector PD&E Study Environmental and Engineering Reports

The Environmental Advisory Group (EAG) is comprised of representatives from environmental organizations, as well as local, state and federal agencies. The input regarding local needs, concerns and environmental impacts being provided by the EAG is crucial in the evaluation of the project corridor.

The study project team typically meets with the EAG up to three times during the study to ensure open communication and provide a forum for issue identification and resolution with governmental agencies and environmental groups.

EAG #3 Meeting Notice: May 2, 2019

Some pictures from the May 2, 2019 Environmental Advisory Group (EAG) meeting for the CFX Lake/Orange County Connector Feasibility/Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study.

May 2, 2019 EAG meeting for the CFX Lake/Orange County Connector Feasibility/PD&E Study
May 2, 2019 EAG meeting for the CFX Lake/Orange County Connector Feasibility/PD&E Study
May 2, 2019 EAG meeting for the CFX Lake/Orange County Connector Feasibility/PD&E Study
May 2, 2019 EAG meeting for the CFX Lake/Orange County Connector Feasibility/PD&E Study
May 2, 2019 EAG meeting for the CFX Lake/Orange County Connector Feasibility/PD&E Study
May 2, 2019 EAG meeting for the CFX Lake/Orange County Connector Feasibility/PD&E Study

EAG #2 Meeting Notice: February 12, 2019

Some pictures from the February 12, 2019 Environmental Advisory Group (EAG) meeting for the CFX Lake/Orange County Connector Feasibility/Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study.

February 12, 2019 EAG meeting for the CFX Lake/Orange County Connector Feasibility/PD&E Study
February 12, 2019 EAG meeting for the CFX Lake/Orange County Connector Feasibility/PD&E Study
February 12, 2019 EAG meeting for the CFX Lake/Orange County Connector Feasibility/PD&E Study
February 12, 2019 EAG meeting for the CFX Lake/Orange County Connector Feasibility/PD&E Study

EAG #1 Meeting Notice: July 30, 2018

The Project Advisory Group (PAG), comprised of stakeholders within the project corridor, is an important component of this study. The input regarding local needs, concerns and environmental impacts being provided by the PAG continues to be crucial in the evaluation of the project corridor. The study project team typically meets with the PAG up to three times during the study to ensure open communication and provide a forum for issue identification and resolution with project stakeholders.

PAG #3 Meeting Notice: May 2, 2019

More than two dozen members of a CFX Project Advisory Group provided input into the Lake/Orange County Connector Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study at the third PAG meeting.

PAG Meeting #3 May 2, 2019
PAG Meeting #3 May 2, 2019
PAG Meeting #3 May 2, 2019
PAG Meeting #3 May 2, 2019
PAG Meeting #3 May 2, 2019
PAG Meeting #3 May 2, 2019

PAG #2 Meeting Notice: February 12, 2019

More than 30 members of a CFX Project Advisory Group provided input into the Lake/Orange County Connector Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study.

PAG Meeting #2 February 12, 2019
PAG Meeting #2 February 12, 2019
PAG Meeting #2 February 12, 2019

PAG #1 Meeting Notice: July 30, 2018

 

Meeting Summaries

August 30, 2018 Meeting Pictures:

August 30, 2018 Public Meeting
August 30, 2018 Public Meeting
August 30, 2018 Public Meeting
August 30, 2018 Public Meeting
August 30, 2018 Public Meeting
August 30, 2018 Public Meeting

Additional Information

Property owners near a proposed transportation project often want to know an agency’s process for buying needed private property.

Central Florida Expressway Authority’s Right-of-Way Acquisition Policy

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