Long-awaited widening of U.S. 441 to be previewed in meeting next month

A public hearing for the widening of U.S. Hwy. 441 design plans update, from Lake Ella Road to Avenida Central (at Griffin Avenue), which is approximately 4.2 miles in length. Final design plans for this project were completed in 2007 and right-of-way acquisition followed.

Now that construction funding has become available, these design plans are being updated. The proposed improvements for this section of  U.S. Hwy. 441 include widening from four to six travel lanes along with the addition of bicycle lanes and sidewalks. The existing bridges over County Road 25 will be removed and replaced with an at-grade intersection. Other project features include: signing and lighting, access management updates, aesthetics, and a plan for maintenance of traffic during construction. Construction is funded for this project and is estimated to begin in early spring of 2020.

The hearing will be held on Thursday, May 17 at Lady Lake Town Hall – Commission Chambers located at 409 Fennell Boulevard, Lady Lake, Florida 32159. The purpose of this hearing is to present information and to receive public input regarding the proposed design updates, including access management changes. Access management is the careful planning of the location, design, and operation of driveways, median changes, interchanges, and street connections. The hearing will begin with an open house from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. A presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a formal public comment period.  Throughout the hearing, FDOT representatives will be available to discuss the project, answer questions, and receive comments. 

A court reporter also will be present, and participants may provide their comments directly to the court reporter at any time during the public hearing. Written comments may be submitted at this hearing or sent to Sarah Van Gundy, FDOT Project Manager, by email: sarah.vangundy@dot.state.fl.us; by mail: Florida Department of Transportation – District Five, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard – MS 2-542, DeLand, Florida 32720-6834; or by telephone: 386-943-5551. All written comments emailed or postmarked by May 29, 2018 will become part of the project public hearing record. The attached project location map shows the project limits and hearing location. 

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, by email at jennifer.smith2@dot.state.fl.us.