Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the early completion of congestion relief lanes on a critical stretch of Interstate 4 (I-4), delivering on a promise made last June and exceeding expectations by eight months. The newly opened lanes, adding over six miles of capacity, will be available for public use starting the week of April 28th.
The project, which adds one additional lane in each direction of I-4 from U.S. 27 in Polk County to World Drive in Osceola County, was originally slated for completion by the end of 2025. However, through accelerated efforts and innovative construction techniques, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has delivered the lanes well ahead of schedule.
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“We launched the Moving Florida Forward initiative to accelerate major transportation projects that reduce congestion and improve connectivity,” stated Governor DeSantis. “With nearly 700 projects underway and $75 billion in infrastructure investment since 2019, we’re delivering real results for Floridians and keeping Florida moving.”
In response to Governor DeSantis’s directive for immediate congestion relief, FDOT implemented a “Modified Phased Design-Build” method under the “Moving I-4 Forward” program. This approach facilitated enhanced collaboration and innovation, allowing for expedited construction. The new lanes will remain open throughout all future construction phases.
“This milestone is a tremendous testament to the continued leadership of Governor DeSantis and the commitment of our industry to deliver for Floridians,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “The Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative is a model for the rest of the country and continued investments from the Florida Legislature will keep this momentum going.”
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In addition to the newly opened lanes, FDOT is also expediting full-build work at the C.R. 532 and World Drive interchanges. Future projects along the 14-mile corridor from U.S. 27 to S.R. 536 in Orange County include the addition of two express lanes and one general use lane in each direction, interchange upgrades, bridge work, resurfacing, and added safety features. These improvements aim to enhance traffic flow, improve safety, and boost regional connectivity by creating a continuous express lane system from Seminole County to Polk County.
Looking ahead, FDOT is also advancing three major projects, including the new Poinciana Connector. Construction for this project, which will link I-4 to S.R. 429 and the future Central Florida Expressway facility, is set to begin this summer, two years earlier than anticipated. This connector will serve the rapidly growing areas of Osceola and Polk Counties.
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