The Apopka Boulevard project was initially identified in 1997. At that time, it was recognized that increasing traffic volumes on Apopka Boulevard would eventually result in operational deficiencies including longer delays and increased traffic congestion. The Roadway Conceptual Analysis (RCA) for Apopka Boulevard was initiated to address these issues. The City of Apopka had identified the need for improvements along Sheeler Road, from Cleveland Street to SR 436, and requested Orange County to include Sheeler Road in the RCA with Apopka Boulevard. The early part of the RCA study confirmed the need for improvements along Sheeler Road. In December 1999, Sheeler Road improvements were incorporated in the RCA process with Apopka Boulevard. The objectives for the project include improving traffic operations, improving roadside drainage conditions, providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities and increasing sight distance along substandard curves.

The length of the project was reduced following the Third Public Meeting held on December 14, 2000. The reduced project length includes Apopka Boulevard from Sheeler Road to Hiawassee Road. The reason for reducing the length of the project is to focus on completing the preliminary engineering and environmental studies on the most critical segment so that this project can be moved forward to the final design phase of project development. The remainder of the initial study area includes Sheeler Road between Cleveland Street and SR 436 and Apopka Boulevard between US 441 (Main Street) and Sheeler Road. These remaining segments are not included in Orange County's Five Year Work Program, however, the data collected and the design concepts and analyses prepared for these segments will be provided to the City of Apopka. The City of Apopka may, at its option, move these segments forward into the next phase of project development.