FDOT Open House Updates Public on I-4 Improvements in Orange County

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) hosted 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 earlier this month. A virtual meeting was held on March 6 and an in-person meeting took place March 7 at the Rosen Event Center in Orlando. The purpose of the meeting was to inform the public about construction on both projects, particularly a new traffic pattern at Sand Lake Road.

Diverging diamond interchanges (DDIs) are coming to both interchanges, and Sand Lake Road was converted into an initial construction-phase DDI overnight on March 8 and 9 (Click here to see a time lapse video of the conversion). The changeover 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.

Project engineers from the Sand Lake Road and Daryl Carter Parkway interchange improvement projects were on hand to explain to attendees the current status and coming changes at both interchanges. More than 100 attendees took part in the virtual and in-person meetings, which included a video presentation, project handouts, and large display boards illustrating the coming improvements. In addition, construction engineers from the nearby S.R. 535 improvements were on hand to answer questions about that project.

The purpose of these projects is to provide operational and safety improvements to the I-4 corridor in southern Orange County and to extend I-4 Express from the existing express lanes near Kirkman Road to west of S.R. 536. While the public should be aware that construction will be ongoing for two to three more years, both projects are expected to improve efficiency in Orlando’s popular tourism corridor.

The Sand Lake Road interchange will move into its final footprint in two to three years 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. This new loop ramp will allow motorists to exit I-4 at Exit 74A either to Sand Lake Road or directly to Turkey Lake Road.

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.

Auxiliary Lanes Helping to Increase Capacity and Safety on I-4

To accommodate the increasing number of visitors and residents coming to Central Florida over the past several years, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has made improvements on Interstate 4 (I-4) designed to increase capacity and improve traffic flow. One such improvement as part of the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate project has been the addition of auxiliary lanes along I-4 in multiple project areas. Auxiliary lanes are an important part of improving safety on I-4, but how motorists use them determines how effective they are in terms of helping promote safety and efficiency.

An auxiliary lane is an extra lane typically connecting the entrance and exit ramps of two consecutive interchanges. The additional lane allows drivers more room to merge onto or off the interstate, improving safety. If used properly, auxiliary lanes reduce bottlenecks caused by drivers attempting to enter or exit the interstate.

Auxiliary lanes are not meant for through traffic to use as travel lanes. Drivers should avoid using an auxiliary lane for passing. Although there may be times when it appears that traffic is moving faster in an auxiliary lane during busy periods, vehicles that leave the general use lanes to use an auxiliary lane for passing purposes will need to merge back into the general use lanes if they are not exiting the highway. This can lead to slower travel times for motorists in the general use lanes and create more congestion for those entering I-4.

Auxiliary lanes have been constructed as part of several I-4 Beyond the Ultimate projects. These include:

• A new auxiliary lane on westbound I-4 between State Road (S.R.) 429 and County Road (C.R.) 532 at ChampionsGate.
• A new auxiliary lane on eastbound I-4 between C.R. 532 and S.R. 429.
• A new auxiliary lane on northbound S.R. 429 to Sinclair Road.
• An auxiliary lane was added to eastbound I-4 from the end of I-4 Ultimate to Lake Mary Boulevard as part of the E.E. Williamson bridge replacement project, which was completed in May 2020.

In addition, the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate area includes an auxiliary lane on westbound I-4 between C.R. 46A and Lake Mary Boulevard and an extended auxiliary lane on the westbound I-4 entrance from Lake Mary Boulevard.

FDOT encourages motorists — particularly during periods of heavier traffic such as during morning and afternoon commute hours — to remain in the general use lanes until they are ready to exit the interstate.

National Work Zone Awareness Week Coming in April

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will observe National Work Zone Awareness Week from April 15-19. This annual campaign is part of a national effort to promote safe driving in work zones. This year’s theme is “Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.” It encourages drivers to realize that a couple seconds of irresponsible driving can have lifelong impacts.

According to 2017-2021 statewide crash data, Florida experienced more than 53,000 work zone-related crashes, including more than 350 fatalities and more than 1,900 severe injuries.

Safety is the top priority as construction continues on Interstate 4 (I-4). With seven active I-4 Beyond the Ultimate work zones, motorists should be on the lookout for the signs, orange barrels, cones, temporary barrier walls, and construction vehicles that indicate a work zone.

Remember that your actions in work zones make a difference. FDOT advises motorists to do the following:

• Slow Down – Follow the posted speed limits and know that speeding fines double when workers are present.
• Stay Alert – Traffic patterns change, lanes can narrow or shift, and workers may be directing traffic with signs or working near the road.
• Don’t Tailgate – Traffic often slows or stops in work zones. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and keep everyone safe.
• Avoid Distractions – Crashes can happen in a split second. Looking at your phone, texting, talking on the phone, eating, or changing the radio puts you, and those around you, at risk. In Florida, it is prohibited to handle a wireless communication device while operating a vehicle in work zones.

Each time a driver gets behind the wheel, it is up to them to make safe driving decisions. FDOT encourages all drivers to be part of the solution and choose to save lives. Visit fdot.gov/Safety/workzonesafety for more information about work zone safety.

Road Ranger’s Quick Thinking Saves Driver’s Life

Central Florida’s Road Rangers are no strangers to split-second decision making. When the Road Ranger Service Patrol receives a call to their *FHP (*347) assistance line, they are quick to spring into action to help drivers in need.

John Cruz, a 14-year Road Ranger veteran, exemplified the type of quick-thinking heroics for which Road Rangers are known while working with the Orlando Police Department (OPD) on November 15, 2023.

As the sun set on a busy stretch of Kirkman Road (State Road (S.R.) 435) in Orlando, an urgent call was dispatched to Cruz regarding a gray Honda Accord trapped in a ditch on the east side of the street.

“Anytime you get to a scene, you don’t know what that person’s going through,” Cruz said, recalling the crash.

Cruz was able to assess the scene with the aid of OPD Community Service Officer (CSO) Adrian Guillermo to see if the driver had exited the vehicle. Through the dark tinting of the vehicle’s windows, Cruz saw that the driver was experiencing a seizure. CSO Guillermo then called in the Orlando Fire Department for assistance.

The incapacitated driver’s foot was on the accelerator pedal and making the engine rev. With precision and determination, Cruz sprang into action.

“When I see (a foot on) the gas pedal, I’m concerned. You never know if (the car is) in park or in reverse or drive,” Cruz said, aware that any slight movement on the gas pedal could create a danger to the driver and rescue crew. “My goal is always that no one should get hurt.”

Cruz handed his flashlight to CSO Guillermo, who shattered the driver’s window. Cruz then reached through the broken glass to place the vehicle in park and remove the key from the ignition, ensuring the safety of both the driver and first responders on the scene.

Cruz’s quick thinking and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the life, ensuring that a harrowing situation ended in triumph rather than tragedy for both the driver and the first responders. His bravery did not go unnoticed by OPD in the follow-up to the incident.

“Road Ranger John Cruz reacted instantly, without hesitation, to render aid,” said OPD CSO III Sydney Vicente. “He played a major role ensuring everyone's safety on scene. Please pass along our gratitude for his essential assistance on this call.”