If you’ve ever driven to Disney World, you are probably familiar with I-4. This Florida highway runs between Daytona Beach and Tampa and has a reputation for heavy traffic and significant delays. However, the Florida Department of Transportation is looking to improve a section of I-4 with plans to add new lanes.
Walt Disney World entrance
On February 10th, two eastbound lanes of I-4 closed within a 7-mile stretch. The road is closed from east of U.S. 27 in Polk County to east of World Drive near Disney Springs, per the Orlando Sentinel. Crews are working to widen the road, so expect ongoing construction in the area.
So, what does this mean for drivers in the area? Well, the good news is that these closures will not last all day, but if you’re a late-night or early-morning driver, you may experience some delays.
Driving around Disney World
On February 10th, for example, the first lane closed at 8 PM and reopened at 7 AM the following day. The second lane closed at 10 PM on February 10th and reopened at 5 AM on February 11th. The Orlando Sentinel confirmed that these overnight closures will continue daily for the “foreseeable future.”
Florida
This news comes as Florida works to improve I-4 with its “Moving I-4 Forward” project. The project is designed to reduce congestion thanks to wider entrance and exit ramps, extra lanes (the highway will go from six lanes to 12 lanes), wider shoulders, resurfaced roads, and more. The Florida Department of Transportation plans to add general-use and express lanes for drivers.
Be prepared for construction
This is expected to be a lengthy project — the timeline was initially estimated at 15 to 20 years, but the Florida Department of Transportation later stated it would be complete in ten years. We’ll keep our eyes out for additional news regarding the project.
Look out for construction!
Below, you can see a map of the planned construction near Disney World, courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel.
©Orlando Sentinel
In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
Read more about the ongoing construction project here
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I-95: “I’ve got the worst traffic anywhere on the East Coast.”
I-4: “Hold My Beer”
When are you NOT stuck on I-4????
This area traditionally seems to slow down to a stop for no reason. You will travel along, then the highway jams up, closes, creeps and then clears and speeds up again. For no reason, no accidents, or construction, it just does.