Orange County is progressing on transportation improvements in Horizon West

Orange County is progressing on several major-roadway projects in Horizon West.

Many of these projects have been developed through public-private partnerships with area developers. 

There will be several safety improvements. 

The roadway projects and safety improvements are aimed at improving connectivity, reducing congestion and enhancing travel options. 

Construction now is underway on segments of the Flemings Road extension. 

The project includes a 10-foot-wide multi-use path along the north side of the road and a sidewalk on the south side. 

Ultimately, Flemings Road will connect to Sawgrass Bay Boulevard at the Lake County line. 

Additional improvements in the project include upgrades to the intersection of County Road 545, Flemings Road and Western Way as well as enhanced drainage. 

Once the work is completed, the road will be widened from a two-lane rural roadway into a four-lane divided urban facility that will improve east-west connectivity in the area. 

Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027. 

New Independence Parkway is being extended by constructing one mile of new four-lane roadway connecting the existing parkway east of Avalon Road to Wellness Way at the Lake County border. 

On both sides of the roadway there will be 10-foot-wide multi-use paths as well as drainage improvements to support long-term growth. 

The project is expected to be completed in early 2027. 

In the coming weeks, the widening of Ficquette Road from two lanes to four lanes between south of the intersection of Reams Road and Summerlake Park Boulevard and south of the Inglenook Drive intersection is expected to begin. 

Improvements include realigning the existing S-curve; constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Reams Road, Summerlake Park Boulevard and Ficquette Road; adding a multi-use path along the west side of the road; and building a sidewalk on the opposite side. Also included are upgrades to drainage and lighting. 

Construction is anticipated to take approximately two years. 

A project in the right-of-way acquisition phase is the widening of a 2.8-mile stretch of Reams Road from south of Summerlake Park Boulevard to Tarborfield Avenue from a two-lane road to a four-lane road with a median and closed drainage system. 

The plans also include a shared-use path, a bridge, wildlife crossings, upgraded lighting and landscaping. 

"Through the advancement of several key roadway projects in the Horizon West area, Orange County is delivering critically needed roadway capacity and improved connectivity with neighboring Lake County,” said Kenneth J. Leeming, manager of the Highway Construction Division. "These projects will enhance traffic flow and safety while improving overall mobility in one of the county’s fastest-growing areas, reinforcing Orange County’s commitment to supporting growth with a safe and efficient transportation network."

Safety improvements throughout Horizon West include new traffic signals, school zone enhancements and median improvements.