Osceola County has initiated a study to examine the potential realignment and 10-mile extension of Osceola Parkway from Boggy Creek Road eastward to the Northeast District mixed-use plan area, which abuts the Osceola-Orange County line.

Located approximately three miles east of East Lake Tohopekaliga, county officials have said the planning district will ultimately provide a major center for economic development. However, the residential and business growth in the area will result in additional traffic on existing roadways.

The purpose of the Osceola Parkway extension is to provide an additional east-west travel corridor to support the increased traffic expected from future economic and residential development in the area, county officials said.

The Osceola Parkway Extension Feasibility Study, being conducted by Inwood Consulting Engineers, of Oviedo, will address the financial, engineering, environmental and social aspects of providing an additional roadway. The ultimate goal of this project is to meet the transportation needs of the people who live, work and travel within the project area, according to county officials.

The study began in February and is expected to be completed by August. Over the next several months, study activities will involve data collection, development of corridor alternatives and evaluation of potential social and environmental effects.

The identified corridors for the roadway alignment will be presented at a public workshop, tentatively scheduled for July. Following the workshop, study documents will be presented to the Osceola County Commission for approval.

County officials said one of the most important aspects of a corridor study is public involvement. Opportunities for public input will be provided throughout the study. The study team will use a variety of methods for the public to stay involved in the process such as public meetings, small group meetings and a project website (www.osceola-parkway.com).

For more information, contact Mandy Loughran, of Inwood Consulting Engineers, at 407-971-8850 or by e-mail at mloughran@inwoodinc.com. Written comments and questions can be faxed to 407-971-8955 or mailed to Inwood Consulting Engineers Inc., 3000 Dovera Drive, Suite 200, Oviedo, FL 32765.