Additional note: A March 9 opening date for the Walmart Supercenter has been mentioned in recent hiring conversations and local discussions; however, no official opening date has been announced by Walmart. Construction and traffic signal work along SR-44 continue to move forward.
For ongoing updates and confirmed reports, see our Walmart SR-44 updates page. For broader background on the project, you can also view the full Walmart SR-44 overview.
The Walmart SR-44 traffic light project is finally moving forward, and drivers are already noticing changes around the parking lot and turn lanes.
Community Update – November 20: A recent Facebook discussion among Villagers shows just how many people are asking about the Walmart SR-44 project, including when the store will open, whether the entrance will be off Morse or SR-44, and how the new traffic lights will affect congestion. Most residents are hearing estimates ranging from early spring to March 2026, and the county has already planned two new signals to help manage the heavier traffic once the store opens.
Here’s the latest update based on county information and recent construction progress in the area.
Why the New Walmart SR-44 Traffic Light Is Being Installed
The Walmart SR-44 entrance has become one of the busiest stretches in the southern Villages, especially during peak shopping hours. Increased traffic from the nearby neighborhoods, the new gas station under construction, and the growing cluster of businesses across the street — including the new Hooters, the almost-completed Dunkin’, and the recently opened Toasted Yolk — has made signalization a priority.
County planners have been working on a timing plan to improve safety and reduce congestion. The traffic light installation is part of a broader SR-44 corridor improvement project.
What’s Happening on the Ground Right Now
Construction crews have already been working on:
- Adjusting turn lanes
- Preparing the signal pole foundations
- Marking new conduit paths for wiring
- Revising traffic flow around the entrances
From what’s visible on-site, the prep work is well underway. You may see intermittently shifting cones and lane markers as workers continue installation steps.
Estimated Timeline for the Walmart SR-44 Traffic Light
The county hasn’t released an exact activation date, but based on the current stage of construction, the timeline typically moves through these phases:
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Foundation and conduit installation — now in progress.
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Signal pole placement — usually follows within a few weeks.
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Electrical and timing setup — coordinated with county traffic engineering.
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Testing and activation — the final step before the light goes live.
Once poles begin going up, activation is generally just a short stretch away.
For more information on Florida traffic signal projects, you can visit the FDOT District 5 Traffic Operations page .
How the New Traffic Light Will Improve SR-44 Traffic
The new signals should make it easier and safer for residents to:
- Exit Walmart onto SR-44 without long delays
- Make left turns during busy times
- Navigate holiday and snowbird-season congestion
- Handle increased traffic from new commercial openings nearby
With more rooftops coming online in Middleton, Eastport, and the surrounding areas, these improvements are arriving right on time.
What’s Nearby That’s Also Changing
This Walmart SR-44 traffic light update is part of the larger wave of development happening along SR-44.
- New Businesses Coming to The Villages
- Eastport Restaurants Update
- New Restaurants in Middleton (2025 Guide)
- Walmart SR-44 Full Guide
We’ll Keep Updating This Post
This page will be updated as soon as the county releases confirmed dates or when signal poles begin going up. If you drive the area often and spot something new with the Walmart SR-44 traffic light, feel free to send us a quick note or photo — we love sharing real-time local updates with the community.
More updates to come!
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