Osceola County is moving ahead with plans to widen Canoe Creek Road from two lanes to four, following approval during Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. The project aims to relieve congestion, enhance safety, and prepare the busy roadway for continued population growth in the St. Cloud area.
A Four-Lane Expansion Designed for the Future
The approved plan will expand approximately 4.65 miles of Canoe Creek Road—from Deer Run Road to U.S. Highway 192—transforming it into a four-lane divided arterial roadway. The design includes shared-use paths, sidewalks, upgraded intersections, and new traffic signals to improve flow and safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Right-of-way widths will vary from 150 to 157 feet between Deer Run Road and Pine Street and 122 to 132 feet from Pine Street to U.S. 192. The project will also include stormwater ponds, directional and full median openings, and modern drainage improvements to help manage runoff during heavy rainfall.
New Traffic Signals and Intersection Improvements
To improve safety and traffic efficiency, new traffic signals are proposed at Portofino Vista Boulevard, Creek Woods Drive, and Settlers Trail. These intersections currently experience heavy traffic and are expected to see continued growth as residential developments expand in the area.
The upgraded intersections will feature turn lanes, enhanced lighting, and improved pedestrian crossings to meet modern transportation standards.
Why the Project Is Needed
Traffic studies show that several intersections along Canoe Creek Road already experience moderate to heavy congestion during peak travel times. By 2050, traffic volumes are expected to nearly double, with most existing intersections projected to operate below acceptable service levels without improvements.
The expansion is designed to increase capacity, improve travel times, and create safer connections for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
Cost, Impacts, and Environmental Considerations
The estimated cost for construction is approximately $157 million, with an additional $68 million allocated for right-of-way acquisition.
According to county engineers, the preferred build alternative will affect 261 parcels and approximately 67 acres of land. About 38 relocations are anticipated, along with the relocation of 27 utility poles. Environmental impacts include the disturbance of approximately 2.2 acres of wetlands and some floodplain areas.
While the project represents a major infrastructure investment, county officials emphasized that every effort will be made to minimize property and environmental impacts during design and construction.
Public Engagement and Timeline
Public meetings for the Canoe Creek Road project were held in July 2023 and November 2024, giving residents an opportunity to share concerns about traffic noise, drainage, property access, and construction timing. Feedback from these sessions was incorporated into the final design proposal.
In August 2025, the Florida Department of Transportation granted Location and Design Concept Acceptance, marking a significant milestone that allows the project to advance toward funding and final design phases.
County officials say the next steps include completing design, securing right-of-way, and coordinating with utility providers. Construction is expected to begin once all approvals and funding are finalized.
With Osceola County among the fastest-growing regions in Florida, officials see the Canoe Creek Road widening as an essential infrastructure upgrade that will support future development, improve safety, and enhance quality of life for residents.
