Patti Pierce

The long-awaited first phase of the SR 414 extension opened today (Feb. 14, 2009) a full four months ahead of schedule. Originally known as the Apopka Bypass, this project is now called the John Land Apopka Expressway. It is a toll road owned and operated by the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority.

Originally conceived as a complete 9 mile new expressway, the Expressway Authority opted to break the project into two phases, largely due to the rising costs of construction. Phase 1, which broke ground on January 19, 2007, extends the road from US 441 to SR 429, including a rerouting of SR 429 from just south of the current Ocoee-Apopka Road (CR 437A) to US 441. Phase II will extend the roadway from SR 429 to the west and north to US 441 near CR 437 (Plymouth Sorrento Road) and is scheduled to open in mid-summer of 2009.

The roadway from Exit 4 to Exit 8 opened this afternoon following festivities for vehicles with Sunpass and E-Pass transponders only. Exit 6 is not included in this early opening. This new road will significantly relieve traffic congestion in Apopka.

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