Roadway Projects Boosted with $2.8-Million Investment

Marion County continues to make significant progress on roadway improvements countywide, with approximately $2.8 million allocated to transportation projects over the last 30 days, according to updates provided by the County Engineer during the Dec. 16 meeting of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.

These investments reflect the County's ongoing commitment to improving safety, easing congestion, and supporting growth through strategic transportation planning. The full meeting can be viewed at MarionFL.org/Agendas.

Featured Projects

SW 49th/40th Avenue, Phase 1
New 4-lane roadway from SW 66th Street to SW 43rd Street Road
Construction continues south of the Heath Brook community entrance, with half of the roadway now complete in front of the neighborhood. Three of four drainage retention areas have been constructed. The new signal at SW 43rd Street Road is currently operating in flash mode and will be fully activated pending city approval. Lane closure and detour options are being evaluated for upcoming work near SW 66th Street.

SW 80th Avenue, Segment 1
Adding two lanes from SW 90th Street to 0.62 mile north of SW 38th Street
Agreements with On Top of the World, Indigo East Community Development District, and Bay Laurel Community Development District are being finalized. Phase 1A is expected to receive notice to proceed in January 2026. Phase 1B design is 80 percent complete, with final plans scheduled for submission this month. Appraisals are underway for right-of-way acquisition and easements, and coordination continues with Marion County Public Schools.

SW 27th Avenue (County Road 475A), Task B
New roundabout at SW 66th Street
Design plans are nearing completion, with utility coordination ongoing with Duke Energy and Ocala Electric. Right-of-way offers have been submitted for all affected properties.

State Road 40 at NW/SW 80th Avenue
Intersection improvements and signal reconstruction
A pre-construction meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16, 2025, with notice to proceed anticipated in January 2026. Acquisition of the final parcel needed for a drainage retention area is being finalized.

SW 80th Avenue, Segment 3
Adding two lanes near State Road 40 and U.S. Highway 27
Final plan updates are underway, along with active negotiations for right-of-way and easements on 15 properties. Right of entry from World Equestrian Center Ocala is also being sought by the Office of the County Engineer.

SW 38th/40th Street
Adding two lanes from SW 80th Avenue to SW 43rd Court
Design plans are 60 percent complete, with 90 percent completion expected in January 2026. Coordination continues with the city of Ocala, the Federal Aviation Administration, and On Top of the World on right-of-way and shared drainage planning.

NW 49th/35th Street, Phase 3
New 4-lane roadway from County Road 225A to NW 44th Avenue
Design plans are under review, and right-of-way offers have been submitted for 24 properties.

SW 27th Avenue (County Road 475A), Task A
Roadway elevation improvements
Design is 60 percent complete, with ongoing coordination and negotiations with property owners and nearby communities.

Marion Oaks Manor Extension
New lanes, 4-lane roadway, and I-75 overpass
Procurement steps are underway, with preliminary engineering expected to continue through December 2026 as property opportunities develop.

SW 80th Avenue, Segment 2
Adding two lanes north of SW 38th Street to State Road 40
The project kickoff meeting is scheduled for January 2026, with design completion anticipated in March 2027.

Other Active Projects

Several additional projects are moving forward, including SW 49th Avenue Segment F, the Emerald Road Extension, NW/NE 35th Street widening, NE 35th Street resurfacing, and County Road 316 resurfacing. Multiple projects have reached pre-construction or design completion milestones, reinforcing steady progress across the County's transportation program.

For ongoing updates and future road construction information, visit Engage.MarionFL.org.