ORLANDO, Fla. — Lake Nona is one of the fastest-growing communities in America, and the news Disney is moving much of its Imagineering employees to the Lake Nona area means that growth shows no signs of slowing.

That is why the city of Orlando is working to widen Narcoossee Road.

When Lisa Matson first got to the area, Narcoossee was a two-lane road.

“We actually had cows right across the street,” said Matson, who founded Sweet Mama’s Restaurant with her longtime friend Linda Moore in 2007.

The growth along Narcoossee Road has meant more traffic.

“I shoot through the Publix parking lot and avoid Narcoossee Road at all costs,” Matson said.

The city estimates 70,000 people will move to southeast Orlando over about the next 25 years.

Crews are currently widening the road from four lanes to six lanes from State Road 528 to just past State Road 417.

In addition to widening the lanes, the city also plans to install utility lines and build a multi-use trail from Lake Nona Boulevard to north of Lake Nona Club Drive.

Construction on the $39 million project won’t wrap up until spring 2023.

Matson said she understands there’s reluctance among some residents to see more growth in Lake Nona. But as a business owner, emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, that growth is needed, she said.

“I think (the road project) will help tremendously,” she said, “It’s just during the construction part of it. It’s just take your life in your own hands.”