SANFORD, Fla. — Two separate construction projects on the same highway in Sanford are causing headaches for drivers and business owners alike.

What You Need To Know

  • FDOT has two separate resurfacing projects on State Road 46 in Sanford

  • The project from Upsala Road to U.S. 17/92 replaces the center two-way left turn with a raised median

  • The State Road 46 project from U.S. 17/92 to Mellonville Avenue is to improve pedestrian safety

The Florida Department of Transportation is currently resurfacing State Road 46 from Monroe Road/Upsala Road to U.S. 17/92 (French Avenue). FDOT has another resurfacing project on SR-46 from US-17/92 to Mellonville Avenue.

“You still can't turn into my business here if you're coming westbound 46,” said Don Dennett, who owns an auction house off SR-46 in the work zone.

The FDOT project west of U.S. 17/92 is replacing the existing center two-way left turn with a raised median. A 7-foot-wide buffered bike lane and a new sidewalk are being built. The goal, according to the Florida Department of Transportation, is to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists and encourage slower driving speeds.

“Personally, I think it's going to cause more accidents than what they're trying to accomplish here, because their turn lanes are not accommodating enough for multiple vehicles, maybe two, three vehicles at a time,” said Dennett. “So you're going to have people out in a speed lane that's trying to turn into a particular business or apartment complex.”

FDOT spokesman Tim Freed said a raised median’s restriction of left turn-access is actually safer.

“This approach significantly reduces the risk of angle and left-turn collisions — two of the most severe types of crashes — while maintaining minimal impact on nearby businesses,” said Freed.

The other State Road 46 project, east of U.S. 17/92, widens the sidewalk and adds 6 foot wide bike lane.

“Unfortunately they've got westbound 46 tore up, then eastbound 46 is tore up, so the traffic is horrendous down there,” said Dennett.

Freed says the contractor involved in the construction is trying to accelerate work to reduce backups.

The FDOT project west of US. 17/92 is expected to be completed in spring 2026. The project east of US. 17/92 is expected to be done in fall 2025.