A $240-million project to widen U.S. 301 south of the Florida Turnpike and create a Coleman bypass is getting under way.
Right-of-way acquisition and preparation of a final design are scheduled for completion in late 2026, according to a report by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Instead of bisecting Coleman at a stop sign, the bypass, a new road, will run around the city from Industrial Park Drive to Warm Springs Avenue.
U.S. 301 will be widened to four lanes with a grass median and shared-use paths on each side between the turnpike and County Road 470.
Traffic signals will be installed at Industrial Park Drive and Warm Springs Avenue with a roundabout planned at Marsh Bend Trail.
Construction of improvements at the intersection of the turnpike and U.S. 301 will begin this fall.
The entire project is expected to address future traffic growth and accommodate a high volume of truck traffic using the nearby industrial parks. It also supports social and economic opportunities for the fast-growing region, the report stated.
FDOT also announced it is deferring another project for construction on U.S. 301 between CR 470 and County Road 525E south of Coleman due to budget adjustments.
FDOT also is holding a public hearing this fall on its five-year transportation plan in nine counties, including Sumter, Lake and Marion.
An open house will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the District Five office in Deland.
Online participation is available Oct. 20-24 at www.fdot.gov/WPPH/District5.
Meetings may be scheduled with FDOT employees by contacting the district office. Comments must be submitted by Nov. 7 to be included in the hearing record.