Seminole County officials are reconsidering a costly bike-trail tunnel project due to its hefty price tag and other pressing needs.
Commissioner Lee Constantine shared his thoughts at a recent meeting, saying the tunnels seemed like a fun idea but with so many other needs in the county, it just doesn’t make sense financially. The cost has jumped 14% since the project was first approved back in January 2022, when everyone was excited about the idea of safe underpasses.
The Seminole Wekiva Trail is a favorite among locals, with hundreds of users daily. It runs about 16 miles, providing a great way for people to enjoy the outdoors without worrying too much about traffic. But with the hefty price tag, the commissioners are feeling the pressure to be responsible with taxpayer money.
Commissioner Bob Dallari pointed out that the current crossings are safe enough if people just wait for the traffic lights. He thinks spending more money on tunnels isn’t necessary when there are already safe options available. The board decided to pause the tunnel project and look into cheaper alternatives, like building bridges instead.
Emily Bush from Bike/Walk Central Florida chimed in, saying that either option would make the trail more appealing. She gets why the commissioners are hesitant about the costs, though. Building bridges could save a lot of money, with estimates around $24.2 million.
The area around the proposed crossings is pretty busy, with over 50,000 vehicles passing through daily. Despite a couple of minor injuries in the past three years, some commissioners are feeling a bit confused about the sudden change in priorities. Resident John Higginbotham, who rides the trail often, believes a tunnel or bridge would be fantastic, allowing bikers to cross without worrying about traffic.
