LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County and the Florida Department of Transportation plan to make changes at an intersection in Clermont that has seen a big jump in traffic in the past year.

What You Need To Know

  • Doris D’Ambrosio says it’s dangerous to travel through the U.S. 27 and Wellness Way intersection

  • Since Schofield Road was paved, more drivers are using U.S. 27 and Wellness Way

  • Lake County plans to install a traffic signal

  • In the meantime, FDOT is banning left turns from Wellness Way onto U.S. 27

Doris D’Ambrosio has noticed the increase in traffic turning from Wellness Way onto U.S. Highway 27 since Schofield Road in Clermont was paved.

“Look at all the cars coming in, no red light,” D’Ambrosio said as she pointed out the intersection.

Paving Schofield Road smoothed out the ride between Orange and Lake counties, resulting in an increase in traffic from Wellness Way onto U.S. 27. D’Ambrosio said more traffic means more close calls from drivers wanting to turn.

“I’m always very careful, but it is scary,” D’Ambrosio said.

It can be a challenge for drivers on Wellness Way to turn, meaning more taking risks to get onto U.S. 27.

“You’ve got six cars waiting to get out here. And look at all the cars coming this way. It’s just ridiculous,” she said.

Lake County officials know they have a problem.

The county plans to install a traffic signal within the next year, a spokesperson said.

FDOT is currently reviewing the signal, which will be paid for by the county.

In the meantime, FDOT plans to modify the intersection. Per Lake County, FDOT plans to ban left turns from Wellness Way, forcing drivers to make right turns only onto U.S. 27 until the traffic signal is installed.

“I would feel much, much safer,” D’Ambrosio said. “As much as I would hate to have another light there and have to stop, I still think it’s for the best of the community. It’s just much too dangerous.”

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