By Sarah Fish
Herald Correspondent
One year after the project began, the resurfacing project along State Road 46 is moving forward on schedule, and drivers are adapting to the new changes in the roadway.
“Construction has advanced considerably, as final roadway paving has been completed and most of the new traffic signals are already in place,” said Tim Freed, the FDOT District Five communications manager. “Current work includes signage adjustments, signal activation, asphalt repairs and the installation of a final mast arm. Our crews have observed that traffic is moving consistently through the area, even though drivers may still experience some delays during peak travel periods.”
Recently, the speed limit on S.R. 46 was reduced to 35 mph from West 1st Street to French Avenue, which may be a surprise to drivers who were accustomed to the 40/45 mph limit that was previously in place. The reduced speed limit will remain in effect after the construction project is complete.
According to FDOT, the speed limit continues to range between 45 and 55 mph west of West 1st Street, as the roadway transitions towards the I-4 interchange.
In addition to the updated speed limits, prominent bicycle and pedestrian crossings have been added to several interactions along S.R. 46.
“Feedback from the community has been encouraging,” said Freed. “Cyclists have voiced support for the enhanced bicycle lanes, and nearby schools have welcomed the installation of new signals that improve safety near their access points. FDOT will continue to engage with the public and stakeholders to ensure concerns are addressed and information is shared as work continues.”
Drivers will continue to notice minor adjustments in traffic patterns in the coming months, particularly as the project nears completion. According to FDOT, electronic message boards and construction signage will be used in order to keep drivers informed about traffic pattern changes.
“At this time, no major detours or traffic shifts are anticipated, which should allow travel to remain steady along the corridor,” Freed said.
The re-pavement project, which began in September 2024 and is on schedule to wrap up in early 2026, stretches for about 3 miles along S.R. 46 between Monroe Road/Upsala Road and French Avenue.
“The overall goal of this project is to improve safety and traffic efficiency for all roadway users,” said Freed. “To achieve this, the project is introducing a combination of improvements such as a raised median, which improves safety by reducing conflict points, and upgraded sidewalks and curb ramps that bring the corridor into compliance with current ADA standards. The addition of buffered bicycle lanes and mid-block crossings is creating safer and more reliable options for cyclists and pedestrians, while lighting upgrades at key intersections are enhancing visibility for everyone traveling the corridor.
With an estimated cost of about $16.7 million, this project is designed to extend the lifespan of the roadway, which is one of the busiest stretches of road in Sanford. According to FDOT, S.R. 46 between Monroe Road/Upsala Road and French Avenue has an annual average daily traffic volume of about 20,000 to 30,000 vehicles.
FDOT continues to encourage all pedestrians, motorists and cyclists who use the roadway to proceed with both caution and courtesy as they navigate the construction zone.
For updated information about construction progress along S.R. 46, see the https://www.cflroads.com/project/447103-1.
