The residents of Osceola County have reasons to be optimistic about the congestion they face on their commutes with the opening of the newly expanded stretch of Simpson Road. According to Osceola County's press release, the completion of the 1.2-mile segment, nestled between Myers Road and Boggy Creek Road, marks the end of the first phase of the improvement project, bringing with it two additional lanes of traffic, new, spacious sidewalks measuring 10 feet on both sides and a couple of fresh traffic signals aimed to ease navigation and boost safety.
Amidst the celebratory ribbon cut, Commissioner Viviana Janer, alongside a group of local dignitaries, highlighted the county's dedication to enhancing the region's infrastructure. Janer, representing Osceola County's District 2, was quoted in an Osceola news release: "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." This $20.9 million project wrapped up four months ahead of schedule and stayed firmly on budget.
The project benefits were not reserved only to the motorists. Pedestrians can now enjoy the convenience of the new 10-foot sidewalks, ensuring a safer and more comfortable stroll alongside the busy road. According to officials, the next phase to further widen Simpson Road from Myers Road to U.S. 192 is already in motion, in line with a promise made by the Board of County Commissioners back in 2019 to reinvest money from refinancing bonds into local infrastructure projects.
Osceola County's pursuit of a better transit environment doesn't end here; several projects are currently under construction, including the widening efforts on Poinciana Boulevard, Boggy Creek Road, Partin Settlement Road, Neptune Road, and that critical intersection where Fortune Road meets Simpson Road. In light of these developments, Commissioner Janer extended her appreciation to contributing minds and hands, including the engineers from Vanesse Hangen Brustlin, Jr. Davis Construction Company operatives, who physically erected the improvements, and the Scalar Consulting Group, Inc., overseen the project with an eagle eye for the construction, engineering and inspection services.
The project's first phase was supported by nearly $14 million from the Florida Department of Transportation and MetroPlan Orlando. The opening event, shown in the photo, brought together County officials and partners to celebrate this progress in infrastructure. Commissioner Janer was joined by Commission Chair Cheryl Grieb, Commissioner Brandon Arrington, and other officials from MetroPlan Orlando, the Florida Department of Transportation, Jr. Davis Construction, and Osceola County for this important milestone on Simpson Road.
