Road No. 9: Mobility Reimagined in Orlando

One of Central Florida’s busiest and most economically significant corridors faced decades of congestion and safety challenges. The missing north–south connection between Carrier Drive and Universal Boulevard constrained mobility and threatened the region’s growth.

The completion of the Kirkman Road Extension (Florida State Road 435) has transformed this corridor, blending general-use lanes, managed lanes, multimodal pathways and intelligent transportation systems. For addressing mobility, safety and economic access in a single project, it has placed ninth on our list of Top 10 Roads of 2025.

Spanning 1.7 miles, the Kirkman Road Extension closes a critical gap that once forced commuters, freight and millions of annual visitors onto congested arterials and Interstate-4. By separating regional through-traffic from local access, the project reduces travel times, mitigates congestion and enhances predictability.

The corridor now provides reliable access to employment centers, hotels, entertainment venues and regional attractions, while simultaneously supporting freight movement essential to Central Florida’s economy.

The project’s centerpiece is the signature elevated ramp at Epic Boulevard, an engineering landmark that threads through a dense urban landscape on limited right-of-way. Originally conceived with structural steel girders, the ramp was redesigned as a Florida I-beam girder structure, simplifying construction, reducing costs and eliminating potential conflicts while maintaining its iconic presence.

This ramp not only improves safety by eliminating weaving and conflict points but also serves as a gateway to a major private development, demonstrating how infrastructure can combine function with civic identity.

The Kirkman Road extension required the reconstruction of the Sand Lake Road interchange which included the approaches and roadway leading up to it along with the reworking of several ramps. The team constructed a wide-span bridge at the interchange with prestressed Florida I-beam girders and a lightweight concrete deck. Precision erection sequencing, custom mix designs and on-site mockups were required to ensure durability and performance.

The corridor also incorporates precast tunnel structures for utilities, advanced stormwater management and shared-use pedestrian and bicycle paths, creating a multimodal facility that anticipates future high-capacity transit.

Technology played a pivotal role: 3D corridor modeling and BIM enabled seamless coordination of complex roadway, bridge and utility elements, while intelligent transportation systems with adaptive signals and dynamic message signs ensure long-term efficiency.

Innovative maintenance-of-traffic (MOT) strategies allowed construction to proceed safely in high-demand areas, including under energized high-voltage transmission lines—a rare and high-risk challenge that required custom pile-driving operations and strict safety protocols.

Contractor-led design refinements, including the redesign of the elevated ramp and optimized phasing for the north segment, improved constructability, reduced schedule risk and minimized conflicts with utilities.

Safety was paramount. Barrier-protected work zones, dedicated MOT oversight, nighttime operations and continuous communication with the public kept tens of thousands of daily vehicles moving safely during construction.

Sustainability was equally central. Recycled asphalt, lightweight concrete decks and native landscaping reduced environmental impacts, while advanced drainage systems protected nearby waterways.

The inclusion of a dedicated bus lane, pedestrian pathways and bicycle facilities encourages multimodal travel and long-term reductions in single-occupancy vehicle use. Intelligent Transportation Systems further enhance corridor performance while lowering emissions from congestion.

The Kirkman Road Extension also is an economic catalyst. Direct access to a once-in-a-generation private development unlocks billions in potential investment, enhances Orlando’s status as a global destination and improves connectivity to surrounding businesses and attractions.

Custom wayfinding, marquee signage and gateway features reinforce the corridor’s identity while integrating seamlessly with transportation function, demonstrating that infrastructure can elevate utility and sense of place.

The Kirkman Road Extension exemplifies modern infrastructure that balances engineering excellence, multimodal functionality, environmental stewardship and economic opportunity. From its elevated ramps and wide-span bridges to its ITS integration and sustainable design, the project redefines urban roadway solutions in constrained corridors.

By tackling complex technical, environmental, and safety challenges with innovation and collaboration, the extension has set a new benchmark for urban roadway projects in the U.S.

Project: Kirkman Road Extension (Florida State Road 435) – Carrier Drive to Universal Boulevard

Location: Orlando, Fla.

Owner: Confidential Private Development (delivered to FDOT standards for long-term maintenance)

Designer: OM Engineering Services, Inc.

Contractor: Johnson Bros. Corporation, a Southland Company

Cost: Approx. $235 million (Public-Private Partnership funding)

Length: 1.7 miles