Growth is great for Osceola County’s economy, but traffic can be a nightmare

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County is experiencing robust economic growth, yet the rapid expansion has led to significant traffic challenges.

County officials are actively addressing these concerns through a series of infrastructure improvements funded by newly increased mobility fees.

Raymond Stangle, Osceola County’s Community Development Administrator, explained that the additional fees collected from developers building new housing and commercial projects will be directed toward essential road construction and improvements.

The county is also collaborating with Florida’s Turnpike to widen the highway at its southern end, with the goal easing traffic flow in the area.

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Among the innovative solutions underway is the construction of a diverging diamond interchange at the intersection of Nolte and Canoe Creek, expected to be completed by 2029.

News 6 has been telling you about the one recently built at Sand Lake Road and I-4 in Orange County. This design allows traffic to temporarily drive on the opposite side of the road, facilitating smoother left turns onto freeway ramps and accommodating higher traffic volumes.

In addition to the diverging diamond, several other projects are in progress or planned. Improvements to Neptune Road, a major east-west route connecting Kissimmee and St. Cloud are currently under construction. Projects on Simpson Road in the Buena Ventura area and Old Lake Wilson Road, a key route in a tourist region on the county’s west side, are also advancing to improve traffic circulation and visitor experience.

Stangle acknowledged that while some improvements may take time to materialize, residents and visitors will notice better traffic conditions and new corridors in the near future. The county remains committed to managing growth responsibly while enhancing transportation infrastructure to meet increasing demands.