LAKE COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) opened the final section of the Wekiva Parkway this weekend. The completion of the remaining 2.6-mile stretch makes the connection between State Road (SR) 429, SR 417, and Interstate 4 (I-4) a reality and closes the gap in what is now the 100-plus-mile beltway around central Florida.

The parkway which is intended to ease traffic congestion in the region will get its first test of rush-hour traffic on Monday morning.

FDOT says previously opened sections of the parkway are seeing more than 21,000 vehicles a day, making travel easier, and reducing commute times.

State transportation officials say the tolled expressway provides travel alternatives and relieves US 441, SR 46 and other area roads of traffic congestion resulting from growth and travel between Orange, Lake and Seminole Counties.

FDOT says development of the Wekiva Parkway included setting aside more than 3,400 acres of land for conservation. The parkway also includes 1.5 miles of wildlife bridges, is largely elevated to reduce collisions between vehicles and wildlife and wildlife jumpouts and other natural protections. Courtesy: FDOT

The toll for this section of the parkway for two-axle vehicles will be $0.54 for SunPass/transponder customers. For those using toll-by-plate, it will be $0.81, plus a $2.50 administrative charge.

Transportation officials say some finishing touches on the parkway will continue in the coming months and may require lane or ramp closures.

“It’s road projects such as Wekiva Parkway that break the mold on how projects are built. Wekiva Parkway is not only an achievement for transportation, but also a win for the environment surrounding it,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E.

State transportation officials say the Wekiva River Basin provides habitat for rare or threatened species including the Florida Black Bear, Bald Eagles and Burrowing Owls. FDOT says developing the parkway included limiting the number of interchanges in natural areas, conserving 3,400 acres of land, installing 1.5 miles of wildlife crossing bridges, and other environmental protections.

“We built bridges for this project that protected our natural treasures and preserved natural spaces for future generations,” said FDOT District Five Secretary John E. Tyler, P.E. “I’m proud of what FDOT has done, but we are just one piece in the puzzle. I want to thank all of our local partners who committed to making one of the most comprehensive environmental and construction partnerships a model for future success.”

Work on the first sections of Wekiva Parkway began in 2013. FDOT opened the first parkway stretch in 2016.

FDOT says development of the Wekiva Parkway included setting aside more than 3,400 acres of land for conservation. The parkway also includes 1.5 miles of wildlife bridges, is largely elevated to reduce collisions between vehicles and wildlife and wildlife jumpouts and other natural protections. Courtesy: FDOT