ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Three projects meant to improve road safety are being fast-tracked in Orange County, thanks to federal stimulus dollars.

Nearly $7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is being used to slow down drivers and make it safer for pedestrians to cross State Road 436 from Old Cheney Highway to University Park Drive.

“Majority of accidents we have right here I can say are from people crossing the streets,” said Taila Lustri, co-owner of Harry’s Famous Flowers off SR-436.

The project will narrow the lanes and install traffic calming landscape to slow down drivers.

Extending corner curbs to shorten pedestrian crosswalks, and installing a midblock crossing at University Park Drive are also being considered.

Roadwork is set to begin in the summer of 2023.

The COVID-19 relief act is also allocating $3,550,000 for improvements to Conway Road from Devonshire Lane to Lake Underhill Road.

“(The project) may include safety enhancements such as replacing the two-way center left turn lane with a raised median, installing separated bike lanes on both sides of the roadway, and installing midblock pedestrian crossings,” said Peyten Maki with the Florida Department of Transportation.

That work should start in the fall of 2023.

Plus nearly $2 million will be used on State Road 526 (Washington Street), from US-441 to I-4.

“Measures being evaluated include speed tables, raised crosswalks and improved intersection lighting,” said Maki.

That work should start in the summer of 2023.