The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host an informational open house regarding project plans on the Interstate 4 (I-4) interchange projects at Sand Lake Road (State Road (S.R.) 482) and Daryl Carter Parkway on Wednesday, March 6, and Thursday, March 7, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The virtual meeting will take place on March 6 and the in-person meeting will be held March 7.

The purpose of these projects is to provide operational and safety improvements to the I-4 corridor at these interchanges in southern Orange County and to extend I-4 Express from the existing express lanes near Kirkman Road to west of S.R. 536. The public meeting is being held to present information and receive community feedback.

One of the most important aspects of the informational open house will be to inform the public about a new traffic pattern coming soon to the I-4 and Sand Lake Road interchange. The interchange will be reconfigured in the coming weeks as a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). This initial phase of the DDI is necessary to allow work crews space to complete overhead work on the overpass, reconstruct I-4’s general use lanes, and extend I-4 Express.

The initial phase of the DDI is expected to be in place for two to three years, with the final configuration opening when a new loop ramp to Turkey Lake Road is completed. The new loop ramp will ultimately replace the current left turn across traffic from westbound Sand Lake Road onto southbound Turkey Lake Road. When the loop ramp is completed, motorists will also be able to exit I-4 at Exit 74A either to Sand Lake Road or directly onto Turkey Lake Road.

An initial DDI, like the one shown that was recently in place at ChampionsGate, is coming soon to Sand Lake Road. Note that motorists follow the pavement markings to cross over to the left side of the roadway at the traffic signal.

FDOT urges drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians to be patient during this phase of construction. Please keep in mind that this new traffic pattern will move traffic to the opposite side of the road at the first traffic light, eliminating left turns across traffic to access I-4, and will move traffic back onto the right side of the road at the second light. Be sure to obey pavement markings and signage and to avoid distracted driving throughout the work zone.

The DDI will be bordered with orange traffic barrels during this phase of construction. Be aware that during this construction pedestrians traveling either eastbound or westbound will be limited to one walkway at a time, either on the north or south side of Sand Lake Road.

FDOT encourages community involvement and is offering the upcoming informational open house in person and virtually to provide more ways to participate. All attendees, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the same information.

• In-Person Open House Option: Participants may attend in person by going to the Rosen Event Center, 11184 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32836 on Thursday, March 7, any time between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions. If attending in person, please remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the meeting virtually or by phone.
• Virtual Option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet, or mobile device to see a looping video presentation on Wednesday, March 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting fdot.tips/I4Meeting. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. If using a mobile device, use the GoToWebinar app to be able to view the presentation and submit comments. If joining online, please allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can view all meeting materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the project website at I4Beyond.com.