Drivers taking I-4 to and from Disney World from the west will be getting some relief starting at the end of this month as new congestion relief lanes, one lane in each direction on I-4 from U.S. 27 in Polk County to World Drive in Osceola County, will open the week of April 28, eight months ahead of schedule, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
The project aims to alleviate traffic bottlenecks in one of Florida’s busiest transportation corridors. Daily, more than 140,000 cars per day drive those 7.5 miles, making it one of the busiest roads in Florida, according to FDOT data on its site. On a daily basis, as people leave Disney World, the sea of red brake lights heading toward the horizon is a common sight.
The early opening is attributed to the transportation department’s implementation of a Modified Phased Design-Build method, which accelerated construction through enhanced collaboration and innovative techniques. This approach allowed for the immediate deployment of the congestion relief lanes while full project construction continues.
FDOT has emphasized that these new lanes will remain operational throughout the duration of all remaining construction activities.
In addition to the newly opened lanes, FDOT is also expediting full-build work at the C.R. 532 and World Drive interchanges. Further improvements planned for the 14-mile corridor between U.S. 27 and S.R. 536 in Orange County include the addition of two express lanes and one general-use lane in each direction, interchange upgrades, bridgework, resurfacing, and safety enhancements. These upgrades will establish a continuous express lane system from Seminole County to Polk County, aiming to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and boost regional connectivity.
FDOT has also announced that construction on the Poinciana Connector, a new roadway linking I-4 to S.R. 429 and the future Central Florida Expressway facility, will begin this summer, two years ahead of the original schedule. This project is intended to serve the rapidly expanding areas of Osceola and Polk counties.
Information on future construction is available here.
