I-4 widening project has Maitland residents concerned over traffic

MAITLAND, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation is going to take a second look at how it will handle traffic flow in Maitland before it breaks ground on the Interstate 4 widening project.

On Sandspur Road, by Lake Sybelia Elementary School, the traffic is light, when it's not rush hour. But once the state starts on its $2 billion I-4 widening project at   Maitland Boulevard, residents are concerned that rush hours will be even harder to deal with.

Paul McCormick worries for his grandson who lives with his parents along the road.

"It's right in front of their home, and it's often difficult to get out of their driveway because of the backup in traffic we're experiencing now," said McCormick.

The concern is over a ramp that takes drivers from Sandspur Road to Maitland Boulevard. It's one of two ways for drivers to get to the boulevard. The state plans to close the ramp during construction.

During construction drivers will be forced to stay on Sandspur Road. Where there are numerous driveways and a school zone with an elementary school

"We have a neighborhood now where kids can play in the street and they don't worry about traffic," said resident Kay Yeuell.

But after sitting down with city official, a representative from the FDOT told Channel 9 it's now  looking at other traffic models to address  concerns.

McCormick said he hopes whatever the state decides, it'll be better than what's planned now.

"In the meantime we'll live with what it takes to get through to the final product," said McCormick.

The state plans to bring other options to the city at a meeting next month.

The interstate widening project is expected to start in 2015.

WFTV