‘Worst road in Oviedo’ could be resurfaced later this month

After a month’s delay, the city of Oviedo could be resurfacing South Lockwood boulevard starting later this month. 

Residents have complained about the potholes and the condition of the road in the comment sections on online forums for years, some calling it the “worst road in Oviedo.”  

“It’s been an ongoing issue for a long time,” Deputy Mayor Natalie Teuchert said. “We’ve had emails about it for a long time. It also takes a long time to get through with funding.”

The resurfacing was supposed to begin in October, but was pushed back due to “additional road base evaluation,” according to the city’s website.

Alexis Stewart, assistant Public Works director and city engineer, said via email that the department had concerns about the structural integrity of the road and determined that additional testing was needed. Teuchert mentioned that she believed Hurricane Ian was a contributor for the deterioration of the road, since it was covered in water due to the storm’s flooding. Ten asphalt core samples were tested for thickness and subbase soils conditions. Stewart wrote that based on the results, Public Works recommends that the city use three inches of mill instead of two to resurface Lockwood Boulevard. Milling three inches would require removing three inches of old pavement to prepare for resurfacing and to create a stronger foundation by removing the problems instead of paving over them.

Teuchert said the test results were “worse than we thought” and needed a more intense repair. She said she was grateful that the staff did further evaluation, instead of continuing the project with only two mill when they suspected there was a chance they could need more.

“Because then we’d end up with the same problem several years down the road,” Teuchert said. “So I’m thankful they went through and they’re doing it right … I’m always in the mindset of let’s do it right the first time so it lasts longer.”

Looking Ahead

On Monday, Public Works will present a change order to the City Council that will ask for an additional $567,650 for another inch of mill and resurfacing for South Lockwood, according to Stewart. The previous Lockwood budget for two inches of mill and resurfacing was $1,245,690. The repaving begins south from the bridge to the southern city limits. In total, about 575,000 square feet will be repaved in this project, costing $1,813,340 that will be paid by Penny Sales Tax.

Teuchert said she is “absolutely” in favor of the resurfacing.

“Its been a long time coming. We’ve had complaints about Lockwood for a long time and it’s really expensive. We’ve been pushing to get it done for a while,” Teuchert said.

About 575,000 square feet will be repaved in this project, according to Stewart. – Photo courtesy of City of Oviedo’s engineering department

The resurfacing, if approved, could start two weeks after Monday’s meeting, Teuchert said. There is no exact start and end date for the project yet. The resurfacing will take place at night, and traffic control will be in place before the work begins, according to Stewart.

More work to be done

Stewart wrote that the Public Works staff found other areas that need “urgent preventative resurfacing” to prevent further deterioration: Franklin street between S.R. 434 and the roundabout, the paved driveway of the United States Postal Service facility on east Franklin Street, the inside of the intersection of Clara Lee Evans Way and Mitchell Hammock Road. Stewart also wrote that these areas will be discussed during Monday night’s meeting.

What do residents think?

Paul Snyder has lived in Oviedo for about two and a half years. He said he doesn’t drive down Lockwood boulevard often, but thinks it is a “good use of money” to use the Penny Sales Tax toward infrastructure.

“You shouldn’t be driving on roads where they’re full of potholes, it damages your car … ”

Steven Block lived in Oviedo for ten years, but now lives in Geneva. He drives to Oviedo on the Park to walk his dog, and drives down Lockwood boulevard every Tuesday and Thursday on his way to a karate studio. When told the city was repaving the road and how much it would cost, he was startled. 

“Does it need to be done? I think that’s a lot of money to redo that road.”

Block said that since he drives a truck, the condition of roads isn’t something he thinks about since “it’s a rough ride no matter what.” He also said he thinks the road could be repaved for less money, and thinks the city should put the money toward more things for children like parks.

Mikayla Dolnack has lived in Oviedo for three years, but says her husband’s family has lived in the area “forever.” She said she is happy about the road being repaved since she uses Lockwood “a lot” since her husband’s parents and grandparents live off the road, and her husband drives down Lockwood daily to get to work. 

“I think it’s something that people have been wanting for a long time,” Dolnack said. “I’ve seen a lot of complaints from the people driving and also bikers. So I think it’s a good thing.” 

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