Osceola County is the fastest growing county in Central Florida by population growth, which has increased congestion on its roadways. VHB helped the region reach a major milestone in fall of 2024 when construction was completed on a critical segment of Simpson Road between Osceola County and Boggy Creek Road. The project provides a significant corridor and capacity improvement for the 1.2-mile stretch of Simpson Road.
VHB completed the design of the road, which included widening the existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided urban sections with 10 feet wide sidewalks, roadway lighting, a traffic signal at Ward Road, ITS improvements, upgraded drainage system, and two new bridges over Boggy Creek.
An integrated team of VHB transportation, land development, traffic, structures, stormwater, and environmental professionals worked on the project, which improved pedestrian access with a Complete Streets approach, incorporating mobility for all users (not just drivers) into street design for safer movement. VHB also assisted the County in design recommendations that helped obtain a $14 million grant from Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the new Florida I-Beam bridge construction.
“Simpson Road is safer for all roadway users now, with critical capacity upgrades and bicycle and pedestrian improvements that provide mobility upgrades and connection between the City of Kissimmee and the Orlando International Airport,” said Mark Bertoncini, Director of Transportation – Highway Design.
“It’s especially satisfying to see this project come to fruition with Osceola County—a valued VHB client for more than two decades—as we’ve worked together to provide transportation solutions that enhance substantial growth in the area over that time.”
The project required extensive collaboration with a variety of public stakeholders, including Osceola County, FDOT, Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA), and South Florida Water Management District.
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