The Orange County Engineering Division is dedicated to providing safe walking conditions for pedestrians and school age children. Each year, approximately 14 miles of new sidewalks are designed and constructed throughout unincorporated Orange County.

Sidewalks are critical to the transportation network providing pedestrian access to shopping, schools, businesses, government offices, and recreation areas. In addition, the choice to walk can reduce congestion and pollution, encourage friendlier neighborhoods, and help promote healthier lifestyles.

The process begins when an initial request is received from a citizen, Homeowners' Association, School Board representative or other source. A field evaluation is then scheduled to gather important data including project length, terrain, landscaping, and location of utilities that may affect design and construction. Photographs are taken along the project corridor in order to record existing conditions within the project limits. Other concerns include the number of driveways, drainage issues, types of curb, and road type.

After the field evaluation is complete, the request is then submitted to the Student Pedestrian Safety Committee (SPSC) for evaluation and consideration. The SPSC is comprised of members from the Orange County Public Works Department (Traffic Engineering Division and Public Works Engineering Division), Orange County Public Schools, Orange County Sheriff's Office, Florida Department of Transportation, City of Orlando, and the City of Apopka. The SPSC ranks all sidewalk requests based on safety criteria - sidewalks are designed and constructed accordingly.

Approximately four weeks prior to the start of construction a project newsletter is sent to all property owners within the project limits. The newsletter includes a detailed map, project schedule and contact information.

The Orange County Public Works Department is pleased to work with the community to provide sidewalk improvements.