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 in Orlando. 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,” said Kelly Nowell, P.E., Chief Engineer, Highway Construction Division. “Once complete, the Econ Trail project is expected to improve traffic and safety conditions in the area for drivers and pedestrians alike.”
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. According to Orange County, 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.
