Although the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization last year put on hold a proposed interchange at the Florida Turnpike and County Highway 468, preparation for the interchange is continuing.
The Wildwood City Commission approved a payment Monday night of $212,699 to Hamlet Construction Co. of Ocala for relocation of utility lines on County Road 468 near the turnpike. The payment is part of a $490,000 contract.
Wildwood Mayor Ed Wolf said the utility relocation was needed because of the widening of the county road where the interchange eventually is expected to be built.
Before the MPO action in May, construction of the interchange was expected to begin in 2014. The MPO voted to delay the project and instead use the money to upgrade the Wildwood turnpike interchange at U.S. 301.
The 468 interchange would provide a smoother turnpike connection for villagers via Morse Boulevard and a short jog on State Road 44. Villagers now can access the turnpike at U.S. 301 or at County Road 470 south of Leesburg.
Wildwood commissioners also voted Monday night to spend about $332,000 for generators, pumps and repairs at the community’s wastewater treatment plants.
