Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study:

About the SR 417 Sanford Airport Connector Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study

The State Road 417 Sanford Airport Connector proposes providing direct access between SR 417 (Seminole Expressway) and the Orlando Sanford International Airport. The new connector would provide direct access to the airport to meet the growing air passenger and flight demands and help to alleviate traffic on local roads.

This PD&E Study will consider, analyze, and evaluate the location of an approximately two-mile expressway connection from SR 417 to the entrance to the Orlando Sanford International Airport at or near Red Cleveland Boulevard. The study will also evaluate an elevated alternative along East Lake Mary Boulevard. This PD&E Study will build upon the conclusions and findings from the previous SR 417 to Orlando Sanford International Airport Connector Concept, Feasibility, and Mobility (CF&M) Study completed in August 2023.

The study objectives include:

• Identifying transportation mobility options that could meet future demand
• Providing direct access to the Orlando Sanford International Airport
• Enhancing mobility for the area’s growing population and economy by providing additional transportation infrastructure
• Providing consistency with local plans and policies
• Promoting regional connectivity and fulfilling the recommendation of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners to re-evaluate the feasibility of the Sanford Airport corridor

Project Development Process

Project Background

The feasibility of a new expressway connection from SR 417 to Orlando Sanford International Airport was considered by the Orlando Orange County Expressway Authority, now known as CFX, in 2006. Additionally, the agency completed a Concept Development and Environment Study in 2007. One of the identified needs in the 2007 Study was the need to “improve access to the Orlando Sanford International Airport to meet the growing air passenger and freight demands.” While the 2007 Study stated that the project should be considered, it also noted that traffic analyses at the time found the project to not be financially viable. With the Orlando Sanford International Airport growing and traffic becoming increasingly congested in the surrounding area, the Seminole Board of County Commissioners requested CFX to conduct a new study to again evaluate the feasibility of an expressway connection between SR 417 and the Orlando Sanford International Airport.

CFX began a CF&M Study in August 2022 which was completed in August 2023. The new Study found that all four refined alignments evaluated as part of the study were feasible from an engineering and environmental standpoint and some alternatives approached financial viability. Also, based on CFX Environmental Stewardship Committee and Environmental Advisory Group input, it was determined that an elevated limited-access alternative along East Lake Mary Boulevard should also be evaluated as part of a future PD&E Study.

The CFX Governing Board accepted the findings of the CF&M Study and approved the proposed project to advance to a PD&E Study for further evaluation at its August 2023 meeting.

Information from the previous CF&M Study can be found here: https://www.cfxway.com/agency-information/plans-studies/project-studies/concept-studies-sr-417-to-orlando-sanford-international-airport-connector/

(SR 417 Sanford Airport Connector PD&E Study Map – Click to Expand)

About Public Involvement

Public engagement and interagency coordination are an integral part of the PD&E study process. Opportunities for public participation will be provided during the study including two public workshops and a public hearing.

Additional Information

This is a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study which is an initial phase of determining right-of-way acquisition. Property owners near a proposed transportation project often want to know an agency’s process for buying needed private property. Click here for the Central Florida Expressway Authority’s policy on right-of-way acquisition.