Welcome to the Wetherbee Road Final Design web site. The project limits are from Balcombe Road to Orange Avenue. The Wetherbee Road project was originally proposed to be a design-build project; however the project will now proceed as traditional final design to construction process.  This change was made due to the current economic conditions and the ability for the County to take advantage of cost savings due to the current level of competition in the marketplace. 

Wetherbee Road has been designated a Legacy Project. On June 21, 2006, Mayor Richard Crotty presented a program to the community entitled Invest in Orange County - Our Children's Legacy (the Initiative). These funds are used for three main purposes: Environmental Preservation, Pedestrian Safety and Enhancements, and Roadway Improvements.

The existing Wetherbee Road from Balcombe Road to Orange Avenue is a two-lane facility. Wetherbee Road was originally constructed in the late 1980's as part of the Southchase development. The right-of-way at that time was set aside for the addition of two more lanes in the future. The existing bridge over Florida's Turnpike will be widened to accommodate the additional lanes.

In 2008, the Wetherbee Road project went through a preliminary engineering study phase to confirm the need for the project and gather public input.  On June 19, 2008, the Wetherbee Road project was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission/Local Planning Agency. Their role was to find the project consistent with Orange County Comprehensive Policy Plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission/Local Planning Agency unanimously approved the project. The Wetherbee Road project was presented to the Board of County Commissioners on August 5, 2008. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the Wetherbee Road Preliminary Engineering Study Report and authorized staff to proceed with the bid advertisement of the project.

The Wetherbee Road project is anticipated to receive final design proposals in early February with a contract awarded in May 2009.  The finals design process should take 12 months with construction beginning late 2010.