FDOT Announces Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative Projects in Central Florida

On Wednesday, September 27, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced three upcoming Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative projects planned for Central Florida along the Interstate 4 (I-4) corridor and their construction timelines. The projects include improvements to the I-4 interchange at State Road (S.R.) 33 in Polk County, 4 miles of I-4 from U.S. 27 to ChampionsGate, and 8 miles of I-4 from ChampionsGate to Osceola Parkway.

In January, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative to use $4 billion in general revenue surplus funds to supplement the budget already in place for statewide transportation improvements. This initiative will accelerate much-needed roadway construction projects to enhance Florida’s transportation network for both residents and visitors.

The two projects to improve sections of I-4 were originally planned as part of the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate program. Moving Florida Forward allows for the acceleration of funding for these critical improvements that were already planned. The improvements will provide congestion relief while strengthening Florida’s travel system to get working citizens, parents, and commuters to their destinations safer and more efficiently.

The first of the three projects to get underway in Central Florida — the I-4 at S.R. 33 interchange — will start construction in late 2024.

The Moving Florida Forward project to transform I-4 from ChampionsGate to Osceola Parkway will reconstruct I-4 to accommodate three general use lanes, auxiliary lanes, and two express lanes in the eastbound and westbound directions from west of County Road (C.R.) 532 at ChampionsGate to east of Osceola Parkway (C.R. 522) and will reconstruct interchanges throughout that area. Those interchanges include C.R. 532, S.R. 429, World Drive, S.R. 417, U.S. 192, and Osceola Parkway. This project was originally conceived as Design Segment 1A of I-4 Beyond the Ultimate.

Improvements to I-4 from U.S. 27 to ChampionsGate involve reconstructing I-4 to accommodate three general use lanes, auxiliary lanes, and two express lanes in the eastbound and westbound directions from U.S. 27 to west of C.R. 532 in ChampionsGate. Construction on that project will begin in fall 2026. This project was originally conceived as I-4 Beyond the Ultimate Design Segment 5.

FDOT remains committed to maintaining mobility of traffic during the construction of these projects. I-4 in Osceola and Polk counties is a heavily traveled road, and FDOT urges patience while improvements are being made. Motorists are advised to drive with caution through active work zones and should remember to remain alert, follow the posted speed limit, minimize distractions, and not tailgate other drivers as frequent stops may occur.

For more information, visit https://fdot.tips/3PL5H3B.

Progress Accelerates on Sand Lake Road Project

Click on image above to view video.

Activity is increasing on the project improving the Interstate 4 (I-4) and Sand Lake Road (State Road 482) interchange. Motorists should be advised that a traffic shift on westbound I-4 just west of Sand Lake Road began Monday, October 10.

All westbound I-4 mainline traffic was shifted onto new temporary pavement in the median of I-4. The traffic shift provides space to allow crews to begin road and bridge construction over Sand Lake Road. The shift will remain in place as the project progresses. For more information on the traffic shift, download this handout (PDF).

In addition, pedestrians in the Sand Lake Road area near International Drive should be aware of a sidewalk detour alongside the eastbound lane on the south side of the roadway. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is detouring pedestrian traffic on the eastbound Sand Lake Road sidewalk between Turkey Lake Road and International Drive. The detour will be in place until early 2024. All pedestrian traffic will be directed to follow the detour signs and use the sidewalk on westbound Sand Lake Road (on the road’s north side). The detour is necessary to complete utility, drainage, and ramp work. Access to all nearby businesses will remain open.

FDOT advises motorists and pedestrians to follow all posted signs. Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Please continue to use caution while driving or walking through active construction zones.

For more information on the planned improvements on the Sand Lake Road and I-4 interchange project, visit the project website at I4Beyond.com/SandLake.

Traffic Shifts on I-4 Accommodate Work on Daryl Carter Parkway Improvements

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) shifted traffic on eastbound Interstate 4 (I-4) approximately 12 feet toward the median on September 24 and the new pattern is expected to continue until spring of 2024.

The traffic shift starts at Daryl Carter Parkway and ends near Central Florida Parkway on newly constructed, temporary pavement. The traffic shift was necessary to provide space for crews to complete drainage and lighting work in the area.

In addition, westbound traffic on I-4 shifted approximately 12 feet toward the median on October 19. This shift is also expected to last until spring of 2024 and allows crews space to work on the old outside lanes to complete drainage and lighting work for the project.

Please use caution and remain alert while driving through active construction zones.

For more information on the planned improvements on the I-4 and Daryl Carter Parkway project, visit the project website at I4Beyond.com/DarylCarter.

Drone Footage Shows Progress on Sand Lake Road Interchange Project

Click on image above to view video.

The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT’s) progress on improvements at the Interstate 4 (I-4) and Sand Lake Road (State Road 482) interchange continues, as illustrated in this recent drone footage from early October.

The drone video shows work progressing as crews widen the ramps to and from westbound I-4. Traffic will be diverted onto new pavement, making room for planned future work on the bridge over Sand Lake Road.

To learn more about how FDOT is transforming the I-4 and Sand Lake Road interchange into a modified diverging diamond interchange, as well as the extensions to I-4 Express, visit the project page on the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate website.

Increasing Capacity in Osceola County

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) continues work on construction projects to add capacity to Interstate 4 (I-4) in Osceola County.

Several construction projects near the I-4 and County Road (C.R.) 532 interchange near ChampionsGate improving the roadway are now complete or are nearing completion, so motorists can enjoy a better quality of life and spend less time in traffic.

The first project, which began in July 2021 and reached final completion in early 2023, transformed the I-4 at C.R. 532 interchange into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI), with the new traffic pattern having opened to motorists July 2022. The DDI eliminated left turn phases at traffic signals and reduced the number of signal phases from four to two, leading to more efficient traffic movement throughout the DDI. Conflict points were also decreased by more than half. A conflict point is any location in the interchange where vehicles’ paths merge, diverge, or cross. These are the most likely locations for collisions to occur. This project also improved ramps and added bike lanes and sidewalks along C.R. 532. The completed DDI can be seen in the photo above.

Over the past several years, Central Florida has attracted residents and visitors in unprecedented numbers, which has led to increased demand on state roadways. These improvements were designed to ease congestion, increase capacity, and improve traffic flow in the ChampionsGate area. According to recent data, the average morning travel time in 2023 on eastbound C.R. 532 is down by almost 30% compared to 2021, with average speeds having improved by a similar percentage. The average morning travel time in 2023 on westbound C.R. 532 is down by over 12%, with average speeds having improved by over 16% compared to 2021, prior to the DDI’s implementation.

Additional projects, which began in November 2021, have also added capacity in the area recently by adding new eastbound and westbound I-4 auxiliary lanes, one in each direction, between the ramps of State Road (S.R.) 429 and C.R. 532, as well as a new auxiliary lane on northbound S.R. 429 between I-4 and Sinclair Road. The auxiliary lane on eastbound I-4 opened spring 2023, while both the auxiliary lane on westbound I-4 and the auxiliary lane on S.R. 429 opened summer 2023.

An auxiliary lane, like the westbound I-4 auxiliary lane shown in the photo above, is an extra lane connecting the entrance and exit ramps of two consecutive interchanges. The additional lane allows drivers wanting to merge onto the interstate a longer distance to do so and helps reduce bottlenecks caused by drivers attempting to enter or exit the interstate.

While the auxiliary lanes are now open, additional work continues until this project’s anticipated completion in early 2024, much of which will continue to increase safety in the ChampionsGate area.

One of the final steps in completing the milling and resurfacing of both directions of I-4 from west of S.R. 417 to the Osceola-Polk County line, and both directions of S.R. 429 between I-4 and Sinclair Road, is adding an open-graded friction course. This is a thin layer of asphalt that improves the frictional resistance of the surface of the road and improves drainage, making motorists less susceptible to hydroplaning, resulting in safer roadways.

In addition to the friction course, additional work left to be completed includes adding rumble stripping, an effective countermeasure for reducing roadway departure crashes. Final striping will be added with thermoplastic striping, which is highly reflective and long-lasting. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) will be installed, including motor-vehicle detection systems. Additional work includes irrigation, shoulder slope treatment, and sign installation. Final steps will include final surveys and as-builts, a measure taken to reflect all changes made during the construction process.

For more information on the progress of these projects of I-4 Beyond the Ultimate, visit I4beyond.com/ChampionsGate or follow us on Twitter at @i4Ultimate.

Stay Alert, Stay Alive: Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

With autumn comes darker evenings, longer nights, cooler weather, and the enjoyment of rich meals of turkey with gravy, making it a perfect time of year to recognize Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the perils of drowsy driving. The National Sleep Foundation will recognize Drowsy Driving Week for 2023 from November 5-11.

The end of Daylight Savings Time is when many of us may find ourselves grappling with disrupted sleep patterns.

Drowsy driving, often underestimated, is a serious public health concern. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that drowsy driving contributes to over 100,000 crashes annually, resulting in 50,000 injuries and 800 fatalities.

This alarming statistic highlights the importance of educating ourselves about the risks and preventive measures associated with drowsy driving.

During Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, the National Sleep Foundation encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to engage in various activities that promote road safety.

The cornerstone of preventing drowsy driving is recognizing the signs of impaired driving before deciding to drive.

Know the Signs

Recognizing the warning signs of drowsy driving is crucial to your safety and the safety of others. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's time to pull over:

• Frequent yawning or blinking.
• Difficulty keeping your eyes open.
• Drifting out of your lane.
• Missing exits or turns.
• Feeling irritable or restless.

Helpful Tips to Stay Alert:

• Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
• Create a comfortable sleep environment free of distractions.
• Avoid caffeine and electronic devices close to bedtime.

Take Breaks:

Long road trips can be exhausting. Plan for regular breaks every two hours or 100 miles, giving yourself a chance to rest, stretch, and grab a snack or a coffee.

Share the Responsibility:

If you're traveling with someone, take turns behind the wheel. Having a co-driver can help keep you both alert and reduce the risk of drowsy driving.

Avoid Alcohol and Medications:

Alcohol and certain medications can intensify the effects of drowsiness. Always check your prescription labels for warnings about driving or operating heavy machinery.

By taking steps to prioritize your sleep, you can reduce the incidence of drowsy driving accidents and help protect our communities. This November let's come together to promote drowsy driving awareness to create safer roads for everyone.

Test your knowledge with our drowsy driving prevention crossword puzzle.