Led by Florida Department of Transportation, the Wekiva Parkway project sought to complete Central Florida’s beltway while also protecting wildlife and other natural resources surrounding the Wekiva River; a National Wild and Scenic River and Florida Outstanding Waterway. This $117.2 million project included a 25-mile corridor that traverses three counties – boosting safety and alleviating traffic. In Seminole County, the former S.R. 46 along what would become Section 7A had local traffic from neighborhoods, churches and businesses competing with long-distance, heavy commuter traffic – all through the Wekiva River Protection Area. Section 7A transformed 3.5 miles of this corridor into an elevated expressway, with parallel, non-tolled frontage roads for local traffic. Wekiva Parkway Section 7A exemplifies Florida DOT’s mission to provide a safe, reliable transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity, and preserves the quality of our environment and communities. Section 7A also makes travel between the Lower Wekiva River Preserve and other parks in the river basin easier as well as the Wekiva trail; helping attract thousands of bicyclists to the areas, who then patronize local businesses.
America's Transportation Awards 