The I-4 Beyond the Ultimate team got the opportunity to present information on upcoming roadway changes to the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) on August 9. The visit shared more information with CFHLA members about Interstate 4 (I-4) construction projects underway in the attractions area.

The CFHLA is the largest regional hospitality association in the United States. The membership includes managers representing nearly 80% of the more than 129,500 hotel rooms in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties and nearly 500 supplier organizations that do business with the hospitality and tourism industries. The I-4 Beyond the Ultimate team works to ensure that our stakeholders receive timely and important information on some of the major projects that may affect their businesses.

I-4 is the region’s transportation backbone and is a vital piece of the overall transportation network in Central Florida. Several projects are underway in the attractions area to the south of I-4 Ultimate, including the reconstruction of the I-4 and Sand Lake Road (State Road (S.R.) 482) interchange, which will be transformed into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI), with a loop ramp connecting I-4 and westbound Sand Lake Road to Turkey Lake Road.

DDIs are innovative interchanges in which traffic crosses over to the left side of the roadway, making it more efficient by reducing the number of traffic signal phases. They also eliminate left turns crossing in front of oncoming traffic, which improves safety.

The Daryl Carter Parkway overpass is also being transformed into a partial DDI, with I-4 exit ramps from both directions and a new I-4 eastbound entrance ramp. The Daryl Carter Parkway and Sand Lake Road projects will also include segments of a new I-4 Express extension.

Starting this fall, FDOT will begin improvements to the I-4 interchange at Apopka-Vineland Road (S.R. 535), a project which includes the third part of the I-4 Express extension. Additionally, FDOT will widen the westbound I-4 exit ramp to S.R. 528 from one to two lanes. Construction for both projects is expected to begin later this year.

As Central Florida evolves, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is investing in roadway and multimodal improvements so everyone can continue to enjoy safe and reliable choices when they travel, maintaining Florida’s position as a leader in transportation.

To stay up to date with all I-4 Beyond the Ultimate projects, visit I4Beyond.com.