Orange County Advances Major Transportation Improvements in Horizon West

Horizon West has experienced rapid growth over the last decade and continues to attract new residents, businesses and visitors.

Originally planned more than 30 years ago, Horizon West has transformed from rural land into one of Central Florida's fastest-growing, master-planned communities. With that growth has come an increased demand on the road network, making strategic infrastructure investments critical to keeping residents and visitors moving safely and efficiently.

"Over thirty years ago, Orange County adopted the Horizon West Village Classification System, setting specific land use and infrastructure planning for more than 21,000 acres," said Brian R. Sanders, manager of the Transportation Planning Division. "While relying on historic road alignments has presented challenges, the county demonstrated consistency in planning and major infrastructure delivery during long periods of development."

To meet the needs of a growing community, Orange County is advancing several major roadway projects—many developed through public-private partnerships with area developers—along with several safety improvements aimed at improving connectivity, reducing congestion, and enhancing travel options for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Major Road Projects

Construction is now underway on segments 5 and 6 of the Flemings Road Extension. Once completed, Flemings Road will be widened from a two-lane rural roadway into a four-lane divided urban facility, improving east-west connectivity in the area.

The project includes a 10-foot-wide multiuse path along the north side of the road and a sidewalk on the south side, providing safer options for pedestrians and bicyclists. Flemings Road will ultimately connect to Sawgrass Bay Boulevard at the Lake County line, creating an important regional link. Additional improvements include upgrades to the CR 545/Flemings Road/Western Way intersection as well as enhanced drainage. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027.

Crews are also working to extend New Independence Parkway, constructing approximately one mile of new four-lane roadway connecting the existing parkway east of CR 545 (Avalon Road) to Wellness Way at the Lake County border.

The extension will include 10-foot multiuse paths on both sides of the roadway, as well as drainage improvements to support long-term growth. This project is also expected to be completed in early 2027 and will provide another key connection between Orange and Lake counties.

The long-anticipated widening of Ficquette Road is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The project will widen the roadway from two lanes to four lanes between south of the Reams Road/Summerlake Park Boulevard intersection and south of the Inglenook Drive intersection.

Improvements include realigning the existing S-curve, constructing a roundabout at the Reams Road/Summerlake Park Boulevard/Ficquette Road intersection, adding a multiuse path along the west side of the road, and building a sidewalk on the opposite side. Drainage and lighting upgrades are also included. Construction is anticipated to take approximately two years.

Another project, located contiguous to the Ficquette Road Project and currently in the Right of Way acquisition phase, will widen a 2.8 mile stretch of Reams Road from south of Summerlake Park Boulevard to Taborfield 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, P.E., 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."

Recent Safety Improvements

In addition to these major roadway projects, Orange County Public Works is implementing a number of intersection and safety improvements throughout Horizon West. Several projects are already complete, while others are currently under construction, including new traffic signals, school zone enhancements and median improvements.

These efforts reflect the county’s commitment to safety for all roadway users.

"In Orange County we believe in implementing a 'safety first' approach in the planning, designing and construction of our transportation network," said Humberto Castillero, P.E., PTOE, manager of the Traffic Engineering Division. "When designed with pedestrians and bicyclists explicitly in mind, intersections can facilitate safe, accessible, convenient, and comfortable walking and bicycling."

County leaders emphasize that these projects are part of a long-term, coordinated strategy to address congestion and safety challenges that come with sustained growth.

"The pending construction of improvements to Ficquette Road and other key intersections are just some of the projects Orange County Public Works has been diligently advancing to address congestion and safety issues in Horizon West," said Raymond Williams, P.E., manager of the Engineering Division. "We have also moved major road improvements such as New Independence Parkway and Flemings Road into construction in collaboration with our private partners; and getting the Reams Road Improvement project to construction next is a top priority."

Orange County now has a public facing dashboard where residents can research capital improvement projects in Horizon West and elsewhere across the county.