The SR 534 project is more than a 14-mile expressway.
It represents more than 20 years of detailed planning through Project Development & Environment studies (PD&E), stakeholder and community input, and thoughtful design. SR 534 will ensure current and future connectivity for our region while increasing conservation efforts for the state.
At CFX, we are committed to finding the right balance between Central Florida’s growing transportation needs and ensuring environmental stewardship remains an important consideration as we build SR 534. Balancing infrastructure needs and conservation efforts requires close collaboration with our local, regional and state partners, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).
Stewardship by Design
As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, CFX has worked closely with FWC on the design of the 1.3-mile segment within the Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area (SOFWEA) in Osceola County.
By prioritizing Low Impact Infrastructure, CFX is ensuring and delivering the following:
Minimizing the Impact: CFX adjusted the design of SR 534 to the southernmost corner of SOFWEA in Osceola County. This minimizes impact to SOFWEA and will require 60 acres of easement. Initial studies of SR 534 cut through the center of SOFWEA in Orange and Osceola counties.
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Preserving Access: To maintain trail continuity, the roadway will be bridged at three locations within Split Oak Forest where it intersects with trails, including part of the Florida National Scenic Trail system. These trail underpasses will have a 16.5-foot clearance to ensure that both hikers and wildlife can move freely and safely beneath the elevated road and maintenance at the forest can be performed.
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Minimizing the Footprint: Once SR 534 is built, future improvements will happen within the existing roadway footprint and will not require additional right-of-way.
No Roadway Lighting: The 1.3-mile section of SR 534 within Split Oak Forest will have no roadway lighting to provide a dark-sky environment for local wildlife.
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Natural Landscapes: The roadway will feature Florida Native landscapes specifically tailored to the forest’s wet and dry zones to blend the structure into the surrounding ecosystem.
Water Quality: No stormwater ponds will be placed within Split Oak.
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Stewardship through Commitments & Investments
The SR 534 project will have one of the most robust conservation and mitigation efforts for Central Florida. Community efforts will result in more protected land, not less, and unify fragmented ecological areas. It’s a combination of preserving acres of land slated for development, tens of millions of dedicated funding for long-term restoration and management, as well as, enhancements to SOFWEA amenities in Orange and Osceola counties.
- Expanding Conservation Boundaries: CFX-lead effort will double the amount of conservation next to SOFWEA. That means 1,550 acres previously entitled for development will be set aside for conservation, all managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). When combined with adjacent conservation areas, the result is over 5,100 contiguous acres of protected land.
- Financial Commitment: CFX is providing $23.9 million to FWC for the long-term management and restoration of the 1,550 acres. An additional $18 million will support FWC Wildlife Management Areas Optimum boundaries.
- Targeted Improvements: CFX will also provide $1.25 million specifically for project improvements at Split Oak Forest in Orange and Osceola counties.
- Wildlife Relocation: Our plan includes relocating gopher tortoises into established corridors linked directly to Split Oak, ensuring their long-term survival.
Our Environmental Commitments
Minimize Impact
- Relocated water treatment plant to ensure public safety and avoid operational conflicts.
- Moved alignment farther south and west to mitigate impact on wildlife.
- Have reputable land trust or government agencies hold conservation property to restrict its future use through recorded conservation easements.
- Ensure the floodplain compensation area does not affect quality lands and does not destroy habitat.
- No requests for widening of easement after initial construction
Improve Access and Connectivity
- Ensure access to the Florida National Scenic Trail and Moss Park.
- Assure linkage of Split Oak, Moss Park, Isle of Pines Preserve and the newly dedicated lands to regional wildlife corridors.
Enhance Preservation Efforts
- Donate 1,550 acres of new conservation land to replace SOFWEA land impacted by roadway
- $23.9 million to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the long-term management of the 1,550 acres to support habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and land stewardship
- $18 million to FWC for purchase of additional environmentally sensitive lands
- $1.25 million to FWC for project improvements at SOFWEA in Orange and Osceola counties
- Mitigate impacts to gopher tortoise habitats with relocation efforts linked in a corridor to Split Oak.
- Implement signage and notifications on the expressway to notify drivers of prescribed burns for conservation and preservation