Safety improvements are coming to a 1.7-mile stretch of S.R. 426, but not all the neighbors are applauding the progress.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Winter Park City Commission last year approved the installation of high-visibility crosswalks, dynamic curve systems, pedestrian barriers, and other additions along Osceola, Brewer, and Aloma avenues. However, some Cortland Avenue residents are pushing back against the proposed addition of a traffic signal at Aloma Avenue.
The safety additions were proposed by residents and commuters during a series of community meetings held between June and October of 2023. The signal at the intersection of Aloma and Cortland avenues was not part of the initial plan, but was considered after FDOT released a Signal Warrant Analysis in September of 2024 that included traffic volume counts collected in September of 2023. The safety additions will be added to a 2026 street resurfacing effort by FDOT with the city of Winter Park contributing $1.8 million to the overall project, which is estimated to cost $9.6 million. The city would also need to pay for the Aloma/Cortland signal, estimated at $800,000.
Opponents of the signal cite projections in the analysis that account for a portion of neighborhood traffic, currently utilizing nearby intersections, that would likely shift to the Aloma/Cortland intersection once it becomes signalized. The findings suggest approximately 564 cars could be added to the existing daily traffic numbers along Cortland Avenue, which amounts to a 613% daily increase. And while the assessment states that a signal, “is expected to maintain vehicle platooning and regulate group speed,” the average four-hour traffic volume recorded at the intersection and the number of traffic accidents reported over a five-year period does not satisfy requirements.
During the January 22 city commission meeting, City Manager Randy Knight referenced emails received from residents opposing the signal and said a meeting with the resident-led coalition that advocated for the S.R. 426 improvement project would happen this week.
“We have people on both sides of the issue,” Knight said. “So we’re going to try to get an understanding of where we really are and if there’s more people for it or against it.”
Cortland Avenue resident Drew Bernstein read the assessment and informed the32789 in an email that he and his neighbors were shocked to learn of the increase in traffic volume.
“While we support the approved 426 measures, the late addition of a stoplight is a decision that will have a detrimental impact on our quiet and picturesque block,” he said. “We urge the city to engage directly with the residents of our block and not solely rely on the 426 committee to gauge the neighborhood’s sentiment.”
A representative of the resident coalition who is in favor of the signal told the32789 that there were differences of opinion, but “our mission is to provide a safer roadway for everyone; pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and residents.”
Knight said the findings of this week’s meeting, scheduled for Friday, would be shared at a future commission meeting. FDOT will host a February 6 project update from 5:30-7 p.m. at Winter Park Events Center. The community is invited to attend and plans to maintain traffic flow and access to properties during construction will also be shared.
