LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County officials will break ground on a new road on Thursday, which will link two thriving communities in Central Florida.

What You Need To Know

  • Lake County officials will break ground a new road on Thursday

  • SR-516 will be a new tolled expressway connecting US-27 and SR-429

  • The 4.4 mile project will also test the ability for electric vehicles to charge while driving

  • Construction should wrap in late 2027

State Road 516 will connect Lake County at US-27 to west Orange County at State Road 429.

Realtor Adaniel Zoga travels often between the south Clermont area in Lake County and Horizon West in Orange County.

“I have clients who (are) looking at Horizon West but soon they’ll notice if they want to get a certain amount of square footage or land, Clermont is kind of the next top choice from a price perspective,” said Zoga.

Currently, Zoga takes Schofield Road to get between Orange and Lake counties. It’s a two-lane road that the authorities finally paved less than a year ago.

“Right now (Schofield Road is) not too bad, but I think as they keep developing, I could see this road getting more congested,” said Zoga.

Developers are planning massive residential and commercial developments for this rural, forested, and farmed land.

“Three, four years from now, this area is going to look completely different,” he said.

The Central Florida Expressway Authority green-lit the new toll Lake-Orange Expressway, anticipating the growth.

Construction starts this spring on the 4.4 mile road project, totaling over $500 million.

A portion of the expressway will also test new technology, allowing specialty equipped electric vehicles the ability to charge while driving on the road.

“I don’t mind taking toll roads, I’d rather save as much time as possible,” said Zoga. “If I can shave 5-10 minutes by taking the toll road, I’m willing to do it.”

Construction should wrap up in late 2027.