Public Relations & Outreach Specialist
Orange County Public Works
Econlockhatchee Trail Expansion Project Underway
Project will widen one mile of road, ease traffic and improve safety conditions
Orange County, Fla. – Work on a $66.7 million project to widen Econlockhatchee Trail in east Orange County is underway.
Crews are working to widen the Econlockhatchee Trail road from two lanes to a four-lane divided urban roadway from just south of Lake Underhill Road to just north of S.R. 408. Along this one-mile stretch, crews will construct bike lanes, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and a closed drainage system.
“This project will continue the County’s efforts to ease traffic in East Orange County. Once complete, the Econ Trail project is expected to improve traffic and safety conditions in the area for drivers and pedestrians alike.” Kelly Nowell, P.E., Chief Engineer, Highway Construction Division.
Econlockhatchee Trail will have two northbound lanes on a new two-lane bridge being constructed over S.R. 408, parallel to the existing bridge with two southbound lanes. Included in the project are improvements to Lake Underhill Road to both the east and west directions of the intersection with Econlockhatchee Trail. It will replace the open canal on the south side of Lake Underhill Road with an enclosed 2,500-foot-long double concrete box culvert.
In addition, the project includes new lighting, signage, pavement markings, and at the Palm Gardens Apartment complex, there will be drainage improvements at the southwest corner of the intersection of Econlockhatchee Trail and Valencia College Lane. Utilities work is also planned as part of the overall project.
Nightly closures of SR 408 are planned to construct the new bridge. The expressway will reopen to traffic each morning. A temporary road closure may occur on Econ Trail to install drainage. Notifications will be provided before any closures to minimize impacts to the public.
Pedestrian pathways and traffic lanes will be maintained throughout the duration of the project which is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.