MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – One of Marion County’s largest current road projects is now underway and it’s more than just asphalt and pavement.

The Southwest 40th to 49th Avenue Road Project is a 1.5-mile roadway expansion that will connect Southwest 66th Street to Southwest 43rd Street Road. County officials say the project will significantly improve mobility and safety in the growing corridor.

“This project is a major investment in mobility and safety for Marion County,” said Steven Cohoon, County Engineer for Marion County. “We’re building a brand-new connection that will increase capacity, reduce congestion, and improve access to key destination like the movie theater just up the hill from here.”

Cohoon emphasized that the construction effort goes well beyond the surface. “One of the most challenging and often overlooked parts of road construction is what’s happening underground,” he said. “For this project, we installed more than 9,000 linear feet of storm pipe.”

He added that the work was made possible thanks to community support. “When you voted for the penny sales tax, you voted for progress, and it’s happening right here.”

The project remains under construction as crews continue making progress toward completion.

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