SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A $41 million road project in Fern Park is aimed at improving traffic flow near one of Seminole County’s busiest areas, the U.S. 17-92 and State Road 436 interchange, while also extending Fern Park Boulevard and adding pedestrian and bicycle improvements.

The Oxford Road and Fern Park Boulevard extension project is 70% complete, according to a Seminole County spokeswoman. Recent work has included sheet piling for stormwater ponds, drilled shafts for future signal installations and ongoing drainage improvements.

The project is expected to wrap up in the fall of next year. Plans include new sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping and a median, while keeping Oxford Road at two lanes.

Oxford Road runs north-south, similar to U.S. 17-92, and can be used as a cut-through for drivers trying to avoid the U.S. 17-92 and State Road 436 interchange. The project also includes extending Fern Park Boulevard from Oxford Road to U.S. 17-92 near Lowe’s, across the street from Fire Station 22.

Seminole County hopes the extension will improve first responder access and eliminate the need for the fire department to consider relocating Station 22. The county also expects the project to help traffic flow near the interchange.

For businesses along Oxford Road, the construction has created challenges. Bass Central, a dealer that sells specialized bass guitars, is located along the project route.

“I can tell you a couple of times it shut the business down,” said Mike Amico of Bass Central. “They’ve taken the power out. We’ve had to close the store because there was no power, which takes down our internet, which takes down everything.”

Amico said Bass Central draws customers from around the world, including Brazil and France, but construction has affected access to the shop.

“Most people come from out of the country,” Amico said. “This is a destination stop. But as you know, as you can see outside, we have a slight problem with the destination at the moment.”

The project is also tied to broader efforts to revitalize the Fern Park area. Developers are eyeing a more pedestrian-friendly “main street” atmosphere with wide sidewalks, bike lanes and landscaping.

Amico said another access point could help the area over time, even as construction creates short-term difficulties.

“I hope it expands. I hope it attracts new businesses and more people,” Amico said. “And that’s good for everybody.”