• State Road 516 will connect Lake and Orange counties to improve local connectivity
• A three-quarter-mile segment will test in-motion wireless charging for electric vehicles
• Construction on the remaining highway segments is scheduled to begin in 2026
• The pilot program aims to reduce range anxiety and validate dynamic charging technology

The Central Florida Expressway Authority is currently undertaking the construction of State Road 516, a new 4.4-mile toll expressway designed to connect Lake and Orange counties. This infrastructure project is intended to link residential areas with commercial and medical hubs, thereby improving general connectivity and alleviating traffic congestion between US 27 and SR 429. Beyond standard road improvements, the project includes a significant technological pilot program that differentiates it from typical highway construction.

A designated section of the expressway, spanning approximately three-quarters of a mile, will be equipped with wireless charging technology embedded directly into the pavement. This system allows compatible electric vehicles to draw power and recharge their batteries while traveling at highway speeds. Known as dynamic charging, this technology aims to address common concerns regarding electric vehicle range and the frequency of required charging stops. It represents one of the first instances of such a system being tested on an operational highway within the United States.

Construction for the project is arranged in phases. The segment connecting to SR 429 is already in progress and is projected to be finished by 2027. Work on the additional segments is scheduled to commence in 2026. If this pilot program proves effective in real-world conditions, it could influence future highway designs nationwide, potentially transforming standard roadways into active power networks for electric transit.