Osceola County is moving ahead with plans to widen Canoe Creek Road from two lanes to four, following approval during Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. The project aims to relieve congestion, enhance safety, and prepare the busy roadway for continued population growth in the St. Cloud area.
A Four-Lane Expansion Designed for the Future
The approved plan will expand approximately 4.65 miles of Canoe Creek Road—from Deer Run Road to U.S. Highway 192—transforming it into a four-lane divided arterial roadway. The design includes shared-use paths, sidewalks, upgraded intersections, and new traffic signals to improve flow and safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Right-of-way widths will vary from 150 to 157 feet between Deer Run Road and Pine Street and 122 to 132 feet from Pine Street to U.S. 192. The project will also include stormwater ponds, directional and full median openings, and modern drainage improvements to help manage runoff during heavy rainfall.
New Traffic Signals and Intersection Improvements
To improve safety and traffic efficiency, new traffic signals are proposed at Portofino Vista Boulevard, Creek Woods Drive, and Settlers Trail. These intersections currently experience heavy traffic and are expected to see continued growth as residential developments expand in the area.
The upgraded intersections will feature turn lanes, enhanced lighting, and improved pedestrian crossings to meet modern transportation standards.
Why the Project Is Needed
Traffic studies show that several intersections along Canoe Creek Road already experience moderate to heavy congestion during peak travel times. By 2050, traffic volumes are expected to nearly double, with most existing intersections projected to operate below acceptable service levels without improvements…