Osceola County, led by District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer, celebrated a major achievement on Wednesday in its ongoing infrastructure development with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of Phase One of the Simpson Road Improvement Project. This milestone marks the first step in a comprehensive plan to enhance transportation efficiency, safety, and connectivity for the rapidly growing Osceola community.
“The Board of County Commissioners is committed to building and maintaining our infrastructure to make our roadways safer and easier to navigate for our citizens,’’ said Viviana Janer, Osceola County’s District 2 Commissioner. “The first phase of the widening and improvements to Simpson Road is proof of that.”
The $20.9 million project broke ground in January of 2023, and was completed four months ahead of schedule and on budget.
The Phase One improvements span approximately 1.2 miles between Myers Road and Boggy Creek Road. Key features of the project include the construction of 10-foot wide sidewalks on both sides of Simpson Road, providing pedestrians with safer and more accessible pathways. The road has also been upgraded with 11-foot travel lanes, a narrower median, and significant drainage improvements. The existing bridge near Boggy Terrace Drive has been modified to accommodate these new enhancements, ensuring a smoother and safer commute for drivers and pedestrians alike.
In addition to these upgrades, a new traffic signal has been installed at the intersection of Simpson Road and Ward Road, further improving traffic flow and safety in the area.
The Simpson Road Improvement Project is designed to coordinate with other ongoing improvements to Simpson Road, particularly the segments known as Simpson Road North and South, which are currently under construction south of the planned Osceola Parkway extension. These efforts are part of a larger strategy by Osceola County to enhance its transportation infrastructure, ensuring that it meets the needs of a growing population and supports future development.
Beyond the Phase One improvements, Osceola County is also advancing the Simpson Road North-South Project, a critical component of the overall transportation plan. This project involves the widening of Simpson Road from four lanes to six lanes between Osceola Parkway and Orange County, with additional improvements including a new bridge, drainage enhancements, and the installation of new traffic signals. The Simpson North-South Project is expected to significantly ease congestion and improve access to key areas within the county.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, County Commissioner [Name] highlighted the significance of these improvements: “The completion of Phase One of the Simpson Road project is a testament to Osceola County’s commitment to providing safer, more efficient roads for our residents. These enhancements will not only improve daily commutes but also contribute to the overall quality of life in our community.”
The project plans, including detailed construction documents and future phases, are available on the Osceola County website. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing construction and traffic alerts by visiting Osceola County’s traffic alerts page.
For more information on Osceola County’s infrastructure projects and to view detailed plans for the Simpson Road improvements, visit One Osceola – Simpson Road Project. Stay updated on construction alerts and future developments by following the county’s official channels.
