The City of Mount Dora Council on March 5 selected a modified at-grade, signalized intersection with a flyover ramp concept for the reconstruction of the US 441/SR 46 interchange as part of developing the Wekiva Parkway. By a vote of 4-3, the Council selected the latest flyover concept -- which was lower than previous versions and would provide less of a visual impact -- over another option known as a single point urban interchange (or SPUI). Council members said the decision was based on the fact that the flyover better allows for future expansion of the interchange when needed, allows the anticipated heavy southbound US 441 movement to eastbound SR 46 to flow unimpeded, and eliminates the need for a retention pond that would have required taking six residential properties.

The two interchange alternatives were among four options that the Florida Department of Transportation developed and evaluated at the request of the City Council in May of 2012. The other options were found not to adequately meet the level of service requirements for the southbound US 441 movement to eastbound SR 46 and/or were more costly.

The FDOT design consultant, Moffatt Nichol, will now proceed with final design for this section of the Wekiva Parkway.