The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is resurfacing SR 44 from east of US 301 to the Lake County line in The Villages. The purpose of this project is to improve safety along the corridor and extend the life of the existing roadway. This project will begin in spring of this year and is anticipated to conclude early 2024.
This project will make safety enhancements at the intersection of SR 44 and US 301, including adding a second left turn lane from westbound SR 44 to southbound US 301 and extending the northbound US 301 left turn lane to westbound SR 44. An open median just east of US 301 will also be converted to a two-way directional median.
Other improvements include drainage improvements, sidewalk construction, and adding new unmarked bicycle lanes.
During construction, motorists can expect frequent single-lane closures during nighttime hours. Signage and traffic control devices will direct drivers through the remaining open lanes during these closures. Uneven pavement is a common, unavoidable roadway condition with resurfacing projects as the contractor must put down different layers of asphalt during various phases of construction. Road conditions during construction are short-term and will become less apparent as the project progresses. Motorists are asked to exercise cautionwhile driving through the work zone.
The contractor will maintain access to sidewalks, businesses and residences during construction. The construction schedule may change due to weather or other unexpected conditions. For project updates, visit the FDOT’s Central Florida Roads website, www.cflroads.com.