County engineer details progress on Southwest 40th/49th corridor and new 80th Avenue project; several completions targeted this year

County Engineer Stephen Cahoon briefed commissioners on multiple roadway projects during the March 17 meeting, reporting that the Southwest 49th/40th Avenue corridor is moving faster than originally planned because the county allowed some construction to occur concurrent to right‑of‑way acquisition work. Cahoon said a phase‑1 detour is targeted for removal around April 10. The county is also adding turn lanes and other improvements at several intersections.

Cahoon described the next major county project — Southwest 80th Avenue Segment 1 — which covers a stretch north of 90th Street and was authorized to proceed; that phase is expected to take about 12 months and transition directly into Phase 1b. The State Road 40 / NW‑SW 80th intersection improvements are underway with utility relocations and drainage work; construction is estimated to be complete in October 2026.

Contracting and material supply remain a critical path item — Cahoon said friction course aggregate (SC‑95) is limited regionally and the county is working with vendors to avoid slowdowns. He also noted recurring wildlife constraints (gopher tortoises, burrowing owls, sand skinks) that require monitoring and, at times, relocation or scheduling adjustments. Commissioners asked about HOA and neighborhood communications; Cahoon and staff said public meetings, HOA outreach and email blasts are planned to keep impacted communities informed.

No vote was required; commissioners thanked staff and directed continued community outreach.