WINTER PARK, Fla. — Thursday, residents got to see in person the design of a major safety and infrastructure improvement project that will enhance the safety of one of Winter Park’s busiest corridors—State Road 426.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
“This is the main corridor from West to East, East to West, and the accidents are amazing. Every week there is this major crash,” said Paul Conway, a Winter Park resident.”
According to FDOT, in 2024, from January to October, there were 82 crashes, 18 reported with an injury, and 67 reported to have caused property damage.
Read: Denver takes on Orlando, seeks 5th straight win
“While it’s a busy road, I’ve been there for 10 years. I definitely think some improvements can be made,” said Drew Bernstein, a Winter Park resident.”
The project will stretch from South Park Avenue to North Lakemont Avenue and is estimated to cost $9.4 million.
The project was developed through the S.R. 426 Coalition to help manage speed through the corridor and provide more pedestrian crossing options.
Read: Central Floridians rack up millions in COVID funds for lavish lifestyles
The project will focus on repaving brick intersections for easier maintenance while introducing key safety enhancements. Raised crosswalks with pedestrian-activated signals will be placed mid-block, ensuring safer street crossings. Raised intersections will further improve pedestrian visibility and naturally slow traffic, reducing the risk of accidents. The project will include enhanced lighting and a secured curve system along Brewer Avenue to improve nighttime visibility and roadway safety.
To further enhance traffic flow and pedestrian safety, the project will have median islands, providing safe refuge areas for those crossing the road.
Read: ‘Fulfilling her dream’: 7-year-old girl dies after junior drag racing accident, family says
The design phase is estimated to be finished by the end of this year, and construction will start in early 2026.
FDOT said more than 100 active roadway projects are happening in Central Florida on State Roadways and Interstates.
Although construction will happen at all times, lane closures will only be closed at night to avoid frustration for drivers during the project.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2025 Cox Media Group
