What This Means for Local Residents and Buyers Considering a Move in 2026
Blog Author: Jeffrey Funk | Co-Founder, The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty | ICON Agent
A significant improvement is officially moving forward along Ficquette Road, bringing welcomed progress to an area that connects several Windermere and Winter Garden neighborhoods. This well-traveled corridor near Disney is set for enhancements that support the steady growth of Southwest Orlando and the daily rhythms of the communities around it.
What Improvements Will Local Neighborhoods Expect?
Orange County approved the next phase of the widening project that runs from south of Ingelnook Drive to south of Summerlake Park Boulevard. The 1.8-mile stretch will see new features designed to make travel more intuitive and efficient for those moving through this part of Southwest Orlando.
A quick look at the map below helps show where these updates sit in relation to nearby neighborhoods and Disney:
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s ahead:
- Widening Ficquette Road from two to four travel lanes with a raised median
- A multi-use path on the west side
- A five-foot sidewalk along the east side
- A redesigned S-curve at Ficquette Road, Reams Road, and Summerlake Park Boulevard
- A roundabout at the intersection of Ficquette Road, Reams Road, and Summerlake Park Boulevard
- Intersection improvements at Old Thicket Trace, New Independence Parkway, and the Deputy Scott Pine Community Park entrance
- Lighting, landscaping, and new stormwater ponds
Why This Matters for Nearby Windermere & Winter Garden Residents
For those who travel between Windermere and Winter Garden or use this route to reach the back entrance of Disney, these updates are expected to offer a noticeably smoother experience. The redesigned S-curve and additional travel lanes support the steady flow of daily traffic, especially during school pickups, evening commutes, park days, and weekend travel.
What local neighborhoods will be directly affected during construction? The closest communities, including Vineyards, Independence, Summerlake, Oasis Cove, Palms at Windermere, and Windermere Isle will see temporary traffic pattern changes while construction is ongoing.
The end result? The corridor is expected to transition steadily toward a more efficient and comfortable travel experience that aligns with the growth of surrounding communities. The broader Southwest Orlando and Horizon West area continues to expand, and improvements like this help support the pace of everyday activity for residents and visitors alike.
When Will The Road Improvements Be completed?
Design and permitting are complete, and right-of-way acquisition is nearly finalized. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, with an expected timeline of about two years.
Talk With Jeffrey Funk About How These Improvements May Affect Your 2025-2026 Plans
With continued growth across Southwest Orlando, this area remains an active hub for both community development and market movement. Whether you are staying, selling, or considering a move into the area, connect with Jeff to help you navigate the changing infrastructure with confidence.
Jeffrey G. Funk, Co-Founder of The Funk Collection | ICON Agent | Windermere, Florida | Direct Cell 321-340-6125.
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