With an increasing amount of developments being built north of Walt Disney World, there has been an increase in traffic entering property from that direction. At peak times, traffic merging onto Reams Rd. can be backed up for 15-20 minutes even with the assistance of State Troopers. As a means of easing this traffic, and presumably the reliance on State Troopers, Disney is building a new road.
UPDATE: Here’s a look at the area from late 2014 compared to early February of 2016. Imagery from Nearmap.
Original story below.
In 2013, Disney filed a document with the South Florida Water Management District, outlining the road to be constructed and the accompanying work that was to be completed.
It appears that Disney has majority of the road completed at this point. The next step would be connecting the road to Reams Rd, which would be a public works project.
Full size: http://i.imgur.com/t1WFEqP.jpg
This could presumably be done shortly and have an immediately positive effect for Magic Kingdom Cast Members trying to enter and exit the parking lot.
In the next phase, Disney wants to connect this road with Floridian Way to create a bypass of sorts past the backstage industrial buildings and the launch point for Wishes. Currently, traffic from Floridian Way is turned around during Wishes. With this extension, traffic could flow freely. The extension could run along the route highlighted in green and bring with it the widening of Floridian Way.
There’s no doubt that Disney could use the help with regards to traffic flow into and off of property from Reams Rd. and this project is a welcome one among locals and Cast Members alike. There is currently no indication if this entrance will get the Walt Disney World archway like other entrances.
UPDATE: The Reedy Creek Improvement District has issued a $350 million bond that includes “A Center Drive bypass to the west that will allow traffic heading south off Reams Road more direct access to Floridian Way”. This is very likely the path outlined in green above.
UPDATE (7/19/2016): A newly filed permit better illustrates the extension of the green road. Our green line connects to the existing road in the wrong spot, but the general idea of the “phase 2” road was accurate enough for a Disney blog. This new road will better route southbound traffic away from backstage buildings.
