The Orange County Board of County Commissioners has approved an agreement with the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) to accelerate the long-planned extension of New Independence Parkway westward to the Lake County line. This project is a key component of the broader road network plan for Horizon West and the surrounding areas, improving connectivity between Orange and Lake counties.

Under the agreement, CFX will provide a $2.5 million grant contribution to assist in the construction of the roadway. The extension will serve as a feeder road for State Road 429 and is part of a collaborative effort to enhance regional transportation infrastructure. The project is tied to the Silverleaf Road Network Agreement, which was initially approved in 2020 as a public-private partnership between Orange County and developers in the Town Center West area.

The final design, engineering, and permitting for the project have already been completed, but construction has been contingent on securing adequate funding. The additional financial commitment from CFX is expected to help accelerate the timeline, though the project’s overall progress remains dependent on the pace of development in the surrounding area.

Lake County has already begun work on its segment of the roadway—known as Wellness Way—which extends from U.S. Highway 27 to the Orange County line. Once both segments are completed, the New Independence Parkway extension will establish an important east-west corridor linking U.S. 27 with SR 429, benefiting commuters, local businesses, and future development. The completion of this segment will provide substantial relief to Schofield Road, as it will provide a shorter route to SR 429 from Lake County.

With this latest approval, Orange County officials can now proceed with finalizing the construction contract and ensuring compliance with the Silverleaf Agreement requirements. Once these steps are completed, CFX will release its funding contribution, allowing work on the project to move forward.

The approval of this agreement represents a significant milestone in Horizon West’s ongoing infrastructure expansion, improving access for residents and businesses while supporting the region’s continued growth.