SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – If you’ve spent time driving in Central Florida, then it’s no surprise to you that a growing population has led to a growing traffic problem.
More people are moving here, which means more construction and more congestion. More than 85,000 people have moved to Seminole County since 2005, according to population estimates the county references from University of Florida, Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
By 2045, they anticipate the population to reach 560,100, an increase of 13%.
The county must come up with a plan to address the infrastructure needs that come with that growth. This month, the 2045 Transportation Mobility Plan will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners.
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Since 2022, county officials have been working to identify transportation improvements that could be implemented over the next 20 years. Bill Wharton, the county’s transportation planning manager, tells News 6 that they are working to prioritize a list of mobility projects, and the feedback they receive will ultimately help figure out where money will best be spent in the years to come.
“We want to look forward and out far enough to see what type of projects we’re going to need, so we can start to plan for them, whether it’s design for them and then also how we finance for those projects as well,” said Wharton.
The county has hosted a series of public meetings this week, including one that will be held Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oviedo Mall’s community room.
Wharton is also encouraging the public to share their thoughts online so it can formulate a plan that will best address the public’s needs.
There is an interactive map available on the county’s website where anyone can see what projects have been established as priorities in their neighborhood.
When our News 6 crew sat down with Wharton, we looked at some of the items on the list, including a widening project on Lake Mary Boulevard from Rhinehart Road to Country Club Road.
Wharton says they are compiling a comprehensive list of projects, both big and small. It could be as simple as finding places where a traffic light could be timed better, or an added turn lane would ease congestion.
“Whether it’s big projects or small projects, they all make a difference,” said Wharton. “You know, if it’s in your area and it just helps you get through that intersection a little quicker than before, then we’ve made some people happy.”
Wharton said addressing road concerns is of great importance, but they are looking at the whole picture to see a plan for how people can get around with the most convenience in the years ahead. That includes pedestrian and bike trail improvements, and alternative modes of transportation like the SunRail.
Already we see apartments being built near SunRail stops, where people can get to and from work without relying on a car. A new affordable housing development near the station in Altamonte is expected to open soon. The Banyan East Town Apartments will be a 92-unit complex dedicated to people earning 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or below.
Wharton says after comments from the public are gathered and presented to the County Commission on April 22, it will be up to the Board to either accept the work that’s been done or ask for more information.
Once they are given approval to move forward, Wharton says he hopes to start turning the plans into action.
You can give your insight by clicking here and scrolling down to the section titled “Feedback Form.”
More information on the public meeting at the Oviedo Mall is available from the county below:
In-person meeting:
- Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oviedo Mall Community Room, 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo, FL 32765.
These public meetings will give the community an opportunity to review the goals of the 2045 Transportation Mobility Plan and the draft list of Prioritized Mobility Projects. Displays that illustrate the plan process, goals, and prioritized projects will be presented at the meeting.
These public meetings are being advertised and conducted in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status.
Persons wishing to express their concerns about Title VI or requiring accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact ADA Coordinator Christina Brandolini by email at cbrandolini@seminolecountyfl.gov, or by phone at 407-665-7940.
