The Pioneer Trail Interchange has been a much debated project for the past 20 years. It appears construction will begin this December on a $92 million dollar project that aims to reduce the burden of traffic in Port Orange and New Smyrna.
Why is the Pioneer Trail Interchange happening now?
When you look at all the new development pouring into the area between Williamson Blvd and SR 44. Neighborhoods like, Waters Edge, Venetian Bay, Coastal Woods, Woodhaven, and Turnbull Crossings. That’s nearly 10,000 new homes since 2002. All of which would benefit gratefully from the pioneer trail interchange, for convenience and the time it would save. The traffic on Williamson and SR 44 is only getting worse and this would greatly reduce congestion for residents of Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach. The other factor for this happening now is the relationship between Mori Hosseini and Governor DeSantis which I’ll let you read here. This latter part is speculation of course. Which I have no opinion on.
Why are folks against the Pioneer Trail Interchange?
For starters, someone has to pay for this. $92 million isn’t exactly cheap. Advocates against the project say the price tag has now ballooned to $120 Million which will also include a roundabout, and two new developer road stub-outs. All of which were not part of the original proposal. Advocates also point out the interchange is a violation of the Federal Environmental Policy Act. The interchange will be located on land that is part of the Spruce Creek Watershed. The watershed feeds into the Indian River Lagoon. The concern with this destruction is the impact it will have on local manatee and hundreds of animals species along the lagoon.
Thanks for reading,
Chris
