(APOPKA, FL) – The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) will begin construction on its first section of the landmark Wekiva Parkway (State Road 429) on June 8, 2015. Work on this 2.3-mile section is scheduled to finish in spring of 2017.

Nearly 30 years in the making, the Wekiva Parkway is a collaborative effort between CFX, the Florida Department of Transportation – District Five and the Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. The 25-mile toll road will complete Central Florida’s beltway, while also helping to protect the natural resources surrounding the Wekiva River.

"We are excited to get our sections of the parkway underway," said CFX Chairman Welton Cadwell. "This long talked about project is something that is going to have a major impact for Central Florida with better connectivity and economic development opportunities.  It's the type of project that my grandkids will have a hard time imagining our community without."

This first section will extend from where the Daniel Webster Western Beltway (SR 429) currently ends near US 441 in Apopka to near Ponkan Road. This section will include a full interchange at the Connector Road near US 441.

Wekiva Parkway will be Central Florida’s first expressway to feature all electronic tolling. The parkway also will have aesthetic features including colored and textured bridge and wall treatments, slightly arched bridge beams and wider medians for enhanced landscaping.

CFX is responsible for the construction, maintenance and operation of approximately nine miles of the Wekiva Parkway in Orange County and a small portion in Lake County. The parkway will serve as an extension of the Daniel Webster Western Beltway and the John Land Apopka Expressway (SR 414). CFX operates 23 miles of the Daniel Webster Western Beltway from US Highway 441 to Seidel Road. The Florida's Turnpike Enterprise operates the southern section from Seidel Road to Interstate 4.

To view the Construction Fact Sheet, click here.