Innovative Flex Lanes Technology Wins Prestigious Engineering Award for CFX Projects

CFX Projects Shine at ACEC 2026 Engineering Awards

On March 4, 2026, the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) proudly announced that two of its capacity improvement projects utilizing the groundbreaking Flex Lanes technology have been awarded the esteemed Florida Engineering Excellence Awards from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida (ACEC-FL). This prestigious recognition underscores the innovation and proficiency required to enhance transportation infrastructure and address the growing needs of Central Florida's communities.

The Remarkable Flex Lane System

The first award honored CFX's design consultancy, Kisinger Campo Associates (KCA), for its comprehensive Flex Lane initiative coupled with the State Road 429 Capacity Improvement Project. The second accolade was awarded to TLP Engineering Consultants for the enhancement efforts on State Road 417, from International Drive to John Young Parkway. These projects were developed in response to escalating congestion, as a substantial population influx and development have significantly burdened the SR 429 and SR 417 corridors.

To combat the pervasive traffic challenges that plague these routes during peak hours, CFX initiated a series of ambitious capacity improvement projects. The enhancements entail widening SR 429 and SR 417 from four lanes to six, allowing for a smoother flow of traffic. A key feature of these upgrades is the adoption of the Flex Lanes system, an innovative traffic management solution that dynamically utilizes the inside shoulder, thus alleviating congestion during incidents. This pioneering approach, the first of its kind in the Southeastern United States, ensures that traffic can continue to move safely without major interruptions during peak times.

Michelle Maikisch, Executive Director of CFX, expressed enthusiasm regarding the effectiveness of Flex Lanes technology. "Flex Lanes are helping us deliver what drivers care about most: a safer, more predictable trip with fewer delays," Maikisch stated. "By integrating smarter infrastructure with cutting-edge technology and real-time operations, we can significantly decrease crash risks and enhance the reliability of journey times."

Advanced Technology Implementation

The Flex Lanes system itself incorporates a variety of advanced technological elements designed to optimize traffic flow and improve driver safety. Central to this system are overhead lane control signals, dynamic message signs, a display of variable speed limits, closed-circuit cameras, and sensors that monitor traffic speed and volume. All these components work in harmony, centrally managed through a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation's District Five's Regional Transportation Management Center. This collaboration enables real-time decision-making regarding lane accessibility, incident management, and effective communication of road conditions to drivers.

The recognition of these projects at the ACEC awards not only highlights their technical excellence but also signifies a commitment to fostering improved community well-being through innovative engineering solutions. CFX aims to drive infrastructure development that aligns with the evolving dynamics of population and traffic in Central Florida, showcasing a proactive approach to future challenges.

About Central Florida Expressway Authority

CFX is an independent agency within the State of Florida responsible for operating and maintaining a vast network of expressways that cater to a population of approximately 3.5 million residents across Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, as well as over 80 million annual visitors to the region. The agency's extensive system includes 125 centerline miles, featuring 73 interchanges, 14 mainline toll plazas, 5 gantries, and 76 ramp toll facilities, recording over 1.6 million electronic toll transactions daily. Notably, CFX's E-PASS toll collection system was the first of its kind in Florida and continues to serve over one million accounts.