Business - March 4, 2019

New routes will expand transportation offer in Orlando and Central Florida

Growing up with functional infrastructure, good services and job offers is the Orlando plan for the next ten years, especially in the transportation industry. According to the Orlando Economic Partnership, the city should add more than 900,000 new residents and 600,000 new vehicles by 2030.

Thus, several projects are underway in Central Florida to ensure good transportation alternatives, job creation, and positive economic impact in the region, according to the Orlando Business Journal article.

The Brightline train, estimated to cost $ 5 billion, is expected to start in March to build the track of the route between Orlando and West Palm. The inauguration is expected to be either fourth-quarter 2020 or first-quarter 2021. The construction is the result of the partnership between Brightline and Virgin Group and represents the first step of the planned rail link between Central and South Florida.

Another project involves SunRail, Volusia County, Florida State and federal government, seeking $ 77 million in funding for a 12-mile expansion of the commuter rail line between DeBary and DeLand. According to what CEO Nicola Liquori told the OBJ, the state and Volusia County together have roughly $ 39 million, but still need matching funds from the federal government to make the project possible.

A third project for a road is at the center of a legal dispute. Friends of Split Oak Inc., Speak Up Wekiva Inc. and Valerie Anderson are suing County Chairman Fred Hawkins, accusing him of violating state law that requires holding a public hearing before seeking support for the construction of a road that will pass through the middle of 1,700 acres nature preserve.

The road in question is the Osceola Parkway, which would cut a stretch of Split Oak Forest. The feasibility study points out that, without a public-private partnership, the cost of the work can make it unfeasible. So far, $ 70 million has been allocated for the project, which would go towards property acquisition and engineering.

Lake Nona Golf & Country Club