News Summary
Brevard County is set to begin a $62 million widening project on Ellis Road in May 2026 to alleviate traffic congestion. The project, which has been under development for over two decades, aims to expand the road to four lanes and enhance safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Community meetings will provide residents a chance to learn more and get involved as the project progresses towards its goal of improving regional connectivity and supporting local economic growth.
Brevard County Prepares for $62 Million Ellis Road Widening Project Set to Begin in 2026
The Ellis Road widening project in Brevard County is slated to begin in May of 2026, aiming to address increasing traffic issues in the area. This comprehensive project will enhance Ellis Road, stretching from west of Wickham Road to west of John Rodes Boulevard. Local and state officials have been collaborating to secure funding for this essential infrastructure development.
As of July 2025, land clearing for the project has commenced, paving the way for the extensive construction activities scheduled to follow. With an estimated cost of $62 million, the project will include contributions from various stakeholders, including $10 million from the Florida Department of Transportation, local contributions, and a $15 million state Infrastructure Bank loan.
The upcoming construction bidding process will begin in spring 2026, marking a significant milestone towards the project’s realization. Once completed, the road will be expanded to four lanes, featuring 12-foot travel lanes, 7-foot bike lanes, and 6-foot sidewalks. This multimodal approach not only accommodates vehicles but also caters to cyclists and pedestrians, reinforcing safety and accessibility.
Project Importance
Ellis Road is a crucial route for approximately 20,000 employees working in the surrounding areas, underscoring its importance in the local economy. This project aims to ease traffic congestion in South Brevard and its neighboring communities, benefiting not just commuters but also local businesses.
The Ellis Road exit on Interstate 95, which opened in 2020, is expected to attract more drivers, thus relieving traffic pressure on Wickham Road. This connection to the interstate is vital for economic growth and also serves as an essential evacuation route during hurricane season. The project’s execution aligns with transportation officials’ long-term goals to accommodate regional growth and ensure safety on local roads.
According to estimates, the current configuration of Ellis Road does not adequately support the volume of travelers, posing various safety risks, particularly during peak traffic hours. This opportunity to upgrade and expand the road is seen as a significant advancement for the region, particularly because the project has been in development for over two decades.
Next Steps and Community Involvement
A vital part of the project’s development is the upcoming community information meeting scheduled by the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization on October 1 at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will be held at 3980 Sarno Road, Suite 103, Melbourne. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend to learn more about the project and voice their opinions.
After the initial land clearing is complete, there will be a nine-month period dedicated to utility relocation before construction officially commences. This phase is critical to ensuring that all necessary utilities are moved to accommodate the new road design, allowing for a smoother construction process.
Long-term Impact
County Commissioner Rob Feltner emphasized that improving traffic flow on Ellis Road will have a positive ripple effect on traffic throughout the entire county. This project not only addresses current congestion but also prepares the region for future growth and development.
With strong support from local and state officials, the Ellis Road widening project is positioned to become a hallmark of progress for Brevard County, enhancing connectivity and safety while fostering economic growth. The collaboration among Brevard County, the Florida Department of Transportation, the cities of Melbourne and West Melbourne, and the Melbourne Orlando International Airport further showcases the importance of this project to the entire community.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Today: Construction to Begin on $54 Million Ellis Road Widening Project
- Click Orlando: Brevard County Begins Preliminary Work for $56.6M Ellis Road Widening Project
- WFTV: Ellis Road Widening Project Begins in Brevard County
- Space Coast Daily: Preparation Now Underway for $56.6 Million Ellis Road Widening
- Wikipedia: Infrastructure
- Google Search: Ellis Road Widening Project Brevard County
Author: Construction FL News
FLORIDA STAFF WRITER The FLORIDA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionflnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florida and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florida Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Shutts & Bowen LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
