If you’re waiting to hop on SunRail northwest of Orlando, you may be waiting for quite some time.
Mayors from Apopka, Tavares, Eustis and Mt. Dora, along with officials from the Florida Department of Transportation, Lake-Sumter MetroPlan and MetroPlan Orlando met in Apopka Monday with Rep. John Mica to discuss the proposed Orange Blossom Express SunRail expansion to the northwest region of Central Florida.
The proposal would expand SunRail into Lake County through Apopka.
Mica said $30 million to $35 million would be needed for a study, which would include improvements of crossings stretching past Apopka.
“The tracks are there and the service is there," Mica said. "The question is would the freight provider be willing not only to move freight, but also move people and do it on a demonstration basis for “x” number of years.”
Leaders said the next priority for SunRail expansion is south of Orlando, followed by rail expansion to Orlando International Airport.