Sumter County started construction this week on the intersection of Morse Boulevard and Sandalwood Drive.
What is Sumter constructing?
Workers are installing a directional median opening to replace the current full-median setup.
Where is the road construction?
Officials have described the construction project at the intersection of Morse Boulevard and Chitty Chatty Run and Sandalwood Drive in The Villages as a safety and traffic flow improvement initiative.
How long will it take?
The project is expected to take approximately 45 calendar days to complete (weather permitting).
Why the change?
The Sumter County Commission approved the design at a July 2025 meeting after community safety concerns arose.
A traffic study evaluated options like a traffic signal or a roundabout, but ultimately chose the directional median because:
- It reduces potential conflict points from 36 to just nine, officials say, claiming that the change will significantly lower the risk of right-angle (T-bone) crashes.
- It requires no additional property acquisition or environmental disruption.
- It reduces exit delays for vehicles leaving the side streets.
What drivers should expect
During the 45-day window, there will be temporary daytime lane closures on the inside lanes of Morse Boulevard. Minor traffic delays are expected, but no nighttime work is currently planned…