SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A big expansion is in the works for one of the most popular biking trails in central Florida.
The Wekiva Trail runs 14 miles from Lake Mary down to Altamonte Springs. Seminole County wants to extend it another 3 miles down to the Orange County line.
Channel 9's Bianca Castro learned walkers and bikers will still face a big obstacle on the new stretch of trail.
"They're going to extend 3 more miles, so now it's 6 more miles round-trip. It's going be a good ride," said bicyclist Tad Miyade.
Miyade said he is up for the challenge coming his way.
The county's plans to expand the trail to Maitland will cost $2 million. But bicyclists, joggers and walkers will still face a major obstacle.
To get to the new part of the trail, joggers and cyclists will have to cross eight lanes of busy State Road 436. No overpasses are part of the project.
They will have to do the same just a short distance away at State Road 434.
"If the intersection where the trail is crossing, and trail users are crossing, is designed right, and if everybody is obeying the rules that are set up, then they're generally pretty safe," said Mighk Wilson of MetroPlan Orlando.
An overpass could cost more than $4 million.
The county has spent $17 million on trail improvements over the past 10 years.
Those on the trail Friday said they look forward to the changes.
"Just the fact that they will extend the trail is kind of nice for people who like to use it," said bicyclist Jose Rodriguez.
Construction will start this summer and is expected to be completed in 2015.
WFTV
