CLERMONT, Fla. — Clermont residents say they’re excited to see plans for a major road expansion project in southeast Lake County move forward.
Lake County commissioners hope to get construction for the Hartwood Marsh widening project going early next year.
What You Need To Know
Last week, commissioners approved moving forward with the construction process, scheduled to begin in March 2026, after securing sufficient funds
A two-phase project that converts two lanes into four, beginning on U.S. 27 to Regency Hills Drive
In 2022, county commissioners approved the design update of Hartwood Marsh Road, but never followed through due to a lack of funding and other projects taking priority
Next month, the county will begin the bid process to award the contract to a construction group
During Tuesday’s meeting of last week, commissioners approved moving forward with the construction process, scheduled to begin in March 2026, after securing sufficient funds. It’s a two-phase project that converts two lanes into four on Hartwood Marsh Road, beginning on U.S. 27 to Regency Hills Drive.
It will also include paved sidewalks, traffic separators, shoulders, bike lanes, and curb and gutter.
The Hartwood Marsh widening project will convert two lanes into four, beginning on U.S. 27 to Regency Hills Drive, in the town of Clermont. (Lake County Government)
“Everybody was practically jumping for joy now that it is finally going to get done,” Clermont resident Vincent Niemiec says.
This is a project that has been on the county’s to-do list for years. And a project that Clermont resident Vincent Niemiec has been waiting for years to finally happen. He uses this road to get to and from his home and says the traffic is only getting worse.
“It’s backed up for at least over a mile because of the single lane traffic,” Niemiec says.
Back in 2022, county commissioners approved the design update of Hartwood Marsh Road, but never followed through due to a lack of funding and other projects taking priority. The Florida Department of Transportation is funding the project, but the county would have to wait until 2027 to get the money. In October, commissioners decided to go after a local bank loan so they could begin the project sooner.
“This couldn’t come at a better time, and it makes our way of life a lot better,” Niemiec says.
Next month, the county will begin the bid process to award the contract to a construction group.