LONGWOOD, Fla. — Longwood city commissioners are set to review a proposal Monday that could pave the way for traffic improvements at one of Seminole County’s busiest intersections, an area long known for congestion near Interstate 4.
The plan is connected to a Florida Department of Transportation effort to improve traffic movement where Ronald Reagan Boulevard, also known as State Road 427, meets State Road 434.
City documents show the work would require changes to nearby properties to create space for roadway upgrades, including turn-lane improvements intended to cut down on backups.
Among the properties affected is a Walgreens near the intersection. Records indicate that part of the site would be used for the project, moving the roadway closer to the store’s frontage.
The proposal would also affect a stormwater retention pond next to the road. According to the documents, the project would change how runoff is handled and would include the addition of a 6-foot fence around the pond.
A Walgreens sign near the site is also part of the discussion. Longwood’s city code generally requires signs to be placed at least 5 feet from a property line, but the proposal would allow this sign to sit about 3.5 feet closer than normally allowed.
Drivers in the area say traffic congestion remains a concern. Several motorists at a nearby Wawa said they frequently encounter significant backups at the intersection and often try to avoid traveling through the area during busy times.
The proposal is scheduled for consideration during Monday’s Longwood City Commission meeting.
If approved, the changes would clear the way for FDOT’s planned roadway improvements at the intersection.
