OVIEDO, Fla. — A major construction project in Oviedo is making steady progress, with city officials confirming that work remains on schedule.

What You Need To Know

  • A major construction project is underway in Oviedo

  • Repairs include road restoration, erosion control, and improved drainage

  • Pedestrians and drivers must follow detour signs while work continues

  • City officials say the project is on track to finish by July 2025

The project, which began in November, aims to repair damage caused by previous hurricanes. Since it sits in the Alafaya neighborhood, both residents and commuters will be affected.

As the next phase begins, pedestrians and drivers will need to take detours around McKinnon Avenue, where construction is now in full force.

The project consists of three key components:

  • Repairing an access road that was severely eroded by hurricane-related flooding
  • Fixing McKinnon Road, which collapsed due to erosion, and replacing it with a larger box culvert to accommodate higher floodwaters
  • Installing a new drainage system to improve water flow in a nearby ditch

Oviedo assistant city engineer Paul Yeargain, said that the damage stems largely from Hurricane Ian, which brought record-breaking rainfall to the area.

“Hurricane Ian was a pretty substantial storm," he said. "It’s probably the largest rainfall event we’ve had to move through in quite some time, probably many, many years. So, I mean, ultimately, that’s what caused the damage.”

For residents like Raymond Ramos, these improvements are long overdue. Ramos, who has lived in the neighborhood for years, has personally repaired about 30 homes affected by erosion and flooding.

“You see how low the ground goes from there, from high to down? There’s a storm pipe that went through here,” Ramos said.

One of the biggest concerns is backyard flooding caused by a hill that connects homes in the neighborhood. Heavy rain makes it even harder for water to drain properly.

“Definitely, the most important thing is to control erosion," Ramos said. "Here, you got a lot of loose, all this loosey goosey stuff. It’ll just keep coming down. Actually, I just got done fixing their pavers because the water keeps pushing the dirt and pushing the dirt.”

While Ramos believes the city’s construction efforts will help, he also finds joy in assisting his neighbors.

“It’s what we do. We’re part of Alafaya Woods — it’s what makes us great," he said. "You know, good people, good work."

City officials expect construction to be completed by July. Until then, pedestrians are advised to avoid the area for safety reasons, and drivers should prepare for detours.