Driving CFX: Summer 2023

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SUMMER 2023 | ISSUE 93

On June 8, the CFX Board adopted the new Five-Year Work Plan that will be investing $4 Billion in the Central Florida region through the Fiscal Year 2024-2028. As a regional transportation agency, this historic investment by CFX will help with critical infrastructure needs, including road maintenance, capacity improvements, and expansion projects to address the transportation needs of one of the fastest growing regions in the nation. The plan outlines how CFX will continue to provide Central Floridians with a world-class, integrated mobility network that drives economic growth and improves quality of life.

Public Meetings held for for SR 417 to Orlando Sanford International Airport Connector Study

Nearly 200 community members attended the June 20 public meeting to learn more about the State Road 417 to Orlando Sanford International Airport Connector Concept, Feasibility and Mobility (CF&M) Study. The purpose of the project is to improve airport access, enhance regional connectivity, and address future traffic needs and safety. Simultaneously, about 70 people attended the virtual meeting for this study.

CFX is evaluating whether it’s feasible to build an approximately two-mile-long, potential expressway from SR 417 near the Seminole Toll Plaza northeastward to East Lake Mary Boulevard at or near the airport entrance at Red Cleveland Boulevard in Seminole County. During the open-house style meeting, attendees saw a presentation, viewed displays, asked questions about the project, and submitted comments.

Click here to learn more information about this project.

Supplier Diversity Program Update

CFX’s Director of Supplier Diversity, Iranetta J. Dennis, presented an update at the June Board Meeting about the success of the Supplier Diversity Program. Recognizing that small businesses are the heart of the Central Florida community, the program’s mission is to provide small, disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE), minority and women-owned enterprises (M/WBE) with an equal opportunity to take part in the Agency’s procurement process.

As a result, in 2023 alone CFX has awarded $20 million in contracts to our local minority business community. This represents 19% of the total dollars for the year – surpassing the agency’s goal of 15% for CFX funded projects. To learn more about CFX's Supplier Diversity Program, click here.

There’s a reason more than 64,000 customers have given the free E-PASS Toll App a nearly 5-star ranking! With the mobile app, E-PASS customers can manage payment and vehicle information, track activity, and view E-PASS toll discounts and savings, including the 2023 Toll Relief Program. Download the free E-PASS Toll App to get started. You can find the app by searching for “E-PASS” in the Apple or Google Play app store.

SR 429 Capacity Improvement Project Highlights

CFX is improving capacity along 13 miles of State Road 429. As the project nears the halfway mark, here is a round-up of milestones and highlights to date by project segment:

Segment 1: Tilden Road to Florida’s Turnpike (3.6 miles): A late June traffic shift between County Road 535/Winter Garden Vineland Road to Tilden Road is now being planned. The 1.5-mile traffic shift into the newly constructed, inside lanes will allow for work to focus on widening the outside lanes along this portion of the roadway.
Segment 2: Florida’s Turnpike to West Road (6.1 miles): CFX is installing two new bridge decks over the Turnpike and SR 50/Colonial Drive. Traffic shifted from Plant Street to West Road, allowing CFX to expedite work to add capacity in the outside lanes.
Segment 3: West Road to SR 414 (3.4 miles): Work is progressing on the new Ocoee Apopka Road bridge and the SR 414 bridge. CFX has finished the Harmon Road Bridge and has completed interior widening from West Road to McCormick Road.

The project’s anticipated completion is early 2025. To learn more about this project, click here.

Rain and Construction Requires Additional Hazard Awareness

Florida’s sudden storms can be hazardous on any roadway, but in an active construction zone, that risk factor increases. Follow these tips to keep yourself and others safe while driving in an active construction zone during inclement weather:

Always assume workers are present – even if you don’t see them. Maintain a safe following distance and a safe speed, watch for shifting lane patterns, and carefully negotiate lane changes.
Ensure your vehicle is ready for the road. Check windshield wipers, tire tread depth and inflation pressure. Confirm your lights - including turn signals - are operating. Especially in construction zones, worn tires, inoperative turn signals and lights can be very hazardous to you, other drivers, and workers.
Eliminate distractions. Heavy winds and rain, limited visibility, and narrowed lanes within a construction zone require total concentration. Turn off your radio, ask passengers to help identify hazards and keep distractions to a minimum. Never use your cell phone while driving in an active work zone. Even hands-free, phones are an added distraction that could affect your safety and that of those around you.

To plan for any closures on CFX expressways, click here for our interactive map. For more work zone driving tips, click here.

Have friends and family flying into Orlando International Airport and renting a car? Tell them about Visitor Toll Pass, a FREE loaner toll pass for rental car customers that can save them up to 80% on tolls! Visitor Toll Pass, an innovative program by CFX, allows visitors to always pay the lowest toll rate throughout Florida with no hidden fees or surcharges. Note, customers must opt out of the rental car program to avoid double-billing. The pass is currently available for customers traveling round-trip through Orlando International Airport. Travelers can reserve a Visitor Toll Pass ahead of time or on the spot at the airport using the Visitor Toll Pass App available on Google Play and Apple App stores.