New Traffic Pattern at Daryl Carter Parkway

Click on image above to view video.

On the morning of March 19, crews successfully implemented a new diverging diamond on Daryl Carter Parkway, marking a crucial milestone for a major Interstate 4 (I-4) improvement project. The Daryl Carter Parkway overpass over I-4 was closed from March 16-19, giving crews time and space to pave, install signage, place pavement markings, and safely configure the roadway into the new traffic pattern.

As shown in the video linked above (click on the image to view), motorists traveling in either direction on Daryl Carter Parkway cross over to the left side of the road after passing through the first traffic signal as the roadway spans I-4, following pavement markings and staying in their lane. After proceeding across the overpass, drivers come to a second signal, where pavement markings guide them back to the right side of the road.

The image below illustrates the movement.

Later this spring, crews will open three new ramps, transforming the overpass into a new I-4 interchange — with exit ramps from both directions of I-4 to Daryl Carter Parkway and an eastbound I-4 entrance ramp. A westbound I-4 entrance ramp from Daryl Carter Parkway will be constructed as part of a future project. The diverging diamond will allow motorists to enter or exit I-4 at Daryl Carter Parkway without requiring a left turn across traffic, enhancing safety by reducing conflict points — places where vehicles cross paths or merge.

Shifting the road into the new traffic pattern ahead of opening the ramps allows drivers to get used to the diverging diamond movement and provides space for the construction team to safely complete additional sidewalk, signalization, and ramp work.

Two lanes in both directions are open during this phase of construction. Pedestrian access remains open on the north side of the bridge between barricades as work continues on the south side. In its final configuration, the new interchange will feature protected pedestrian access in the Daryl Carter Parkway median.

For more information on this project, visit i4beyond.com/darylcarter.

I-4 and U.S. 17-92 Interchange Project Completed

Crews have completed the project to improve the Interstate 4 (I-4) and U.S. 17-92 interchange in Seminole County. These enhancements include the realignment of the eastbound I-4 exit ramp to U.S. 17-92, pedestrian safety upgrades at the eastbound I-4 exit ramp, and new auxiliary lanes and turn lanes on Monroe Road and U.S. 17-92.

This project was designed to improve safety near the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens and downtown Sanford in Seminole County. Construction crews realigned the eastbound I-4 exit ramp to westbound U.S. 17-92 to improve sight distance and create space for crosswalk improvements, which include an overhead pedestrian-activated hybrid beacon signal. This technology helps pedestrians cross the intersection more safely using flashing yellow-to-red lights that alert motorists to slow down and stop.

Crews added two right-turn lanes from eastbound U.S. 17-92 to southbound Monroe Road, replacing the previous free-flow right turn. The speed limit has also been reduced from 50 mph to 35 mph, which provides safer traffic flow and pedestrian crossing.

Other improvements include a new auxiliary lane on eastbound U.S. 17-92 between the westbound I-4 exit ramp and Monroe Road, a new right-turn lane from southbound U.S. 17-92/Monroe Road to the eastbound I-4 entrance ramp, and a new left-turn lane from westbound Seminole Boulevard to southbound U.S. 17-92/Monroe Road.

Crews also resurfaced and re-striped the roadway as part of the project, providing a smoother driving experience and better visibility for motorists and pedestrians.

To learn more about this project, visit i4beyond.com/us1792.

Deck Pours for New Bridges at Sand Lake Road

Click on image above to view video.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) crews at the Interstate 4 (I-4) and Sand Lake Road (State Road (S.R.) 482) interchange project continue to construct new bridges as part of the overall effort to improve efficiency and capacity at the interchange.

Recently, crews completed deck pours on two of the new bridges. The first deck pour, which occurred in December 2024, took place at the new westbound I-4 entrance ramp bridge from Sand Lake Road. Overnight, crews poured more than 340 cubic yards of concrete across this structure to complete the new bridge deck. In January, this new I-4 entrance ramp was opened to the public.

Additionally, in January, crews conducted two more deck pours for a new bridge over Sand Lake Road alongside westbound I-4. Over two separate nights, crews poured more than 640 cubic yards of concrete across this new bridge, which will eventually form part of the general use lanes of westbound I-4 over Sand Lake Road. The existing bridge for the I-4 general use lanes over Sand Lake Road will be reconstructed to accommodate the expansion of I-4 Express.

Once completed, the expansion of I-4 Express will feature two barrier-separated westbound express lanes from its current endpoint at Kirkman Road (S.R. 435) to just west of Sand Lake Road. The two barrier-separated lanes will then transition to a single, buffer-separated westbound express lane. The completed express lane will be constructed over the course of three separate projects extending from west of Sand Lake Road to west of S.R. 536.

Deck pours are a key step in bridge construction, as these concrete bridge decks serve as the base layer for the driving surface and contribute to the overall structural integrity of the bridges themselves.

FDOT video crews captured the overnight pours at both bridges. Click the thumbnail above to view the video.

Completion of the I-4 and Sand Lake Road interchange improvement project is expected in 2027. For more information on improvements at I-4 and Sand Lake Road, visit i4beyond.com/sandlake. If this area is part of your daily commute, you can sign up for construction alerts here.

Sidewalks Reopened on C.R. 46A and Rinehart Road Project

Crews have reopened the sidewalks on the south side of County Road (C.R.) 46A from Colonial Center Parkway to Rinehart Road and on the west side of Rinehart Road between C.R. 46A and Timacuan Boulevard. Sidewalk closures were previously required as crews widened the road to add and extend turn lanes at the C.R. 46A and Rinehart Road intersection. The improvement project at the C.R. 46A and Rinehart Road intersection, which is nearing completion, will increase capacity and help alleviate backups between Rinehart Road and the Interstate-4 (I-4) and C.R. 46A interchange.

Road widening starts with planning and design, which involves assessing the existing road, traffic patterns, surrounding infrastructure, and environmental concerns. The next step is preparation and demolition, during which crews develop a plan for relocating utility lines; remove plants, signs, structures, and debris; and establish appropriate detours for work requiring road closures.

Next, crews excavate the earth along the sides of the road to make room for the additional lanes. This step may require large machinery including bulldozers and excavators to clear the area. This work may also require relocating traffic signal equipment. Once the ground is prepared, crews can lay the foundation, pave, and add signage and pavement markings designed to help guide drivers safely through the area. Once everything is in place, the new lanes are ready to be opened to motorists.

Widening has become a critical element in modern roadway construction projects, playing an essential role in easing traffic congestion and improving safety. Increased traffic volume from community growth can impact roads originally designed to accommodate fewer vehicles. By adding and lengthening turn lanes at heavily traveled intersections such as C.R. 46A and Rinehart Road, crews provide more vehicle “storage,” preventing lengthy backups when the light is red and allowing more vehicles to pass through the intersection during each traffic signal phase.

Construction started in fall of 2023 and is anticipated to reach completion in 2025.

To learn more about this project, visit i4beyond.com/cr46a.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

If you’ve ever set your navigation, adjusted the radio, eaten, used your phone, or texted while driving, you’ve driven distracted. Although these actions may seem harmless, taking your eyes or mind off the road for even five seconds while driving 55 mph is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

Each April, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) observes Distracted Driving Awareness Month to educate drivers on the dangers of losing focus behind the wheel. Any activity that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or mind off driving qualifies as a distraction and increases the risk of a crash. In 2023 alone, nearly 300 people in Florida lost their lives due to distracted driving.

Common distractions go beyond your phone. Reaching behind you to comfort a child in the backseat or applying makeup is also dangerous. The next time you hop in the car, consider the risk, and:

• Eat before you get on the road or pull over to eat.
• Set your GPS and start your music before driving, or use a hands-free system.
• Turn on your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” function.

Distracted drivers don’t put just themselves at risk — they endanger everyone on the road. If you’re a passenger, help by being the designated texter, navigator, or DJ.

While you can’t control the behavior of other drivers, you can take steps to protect yourself. Help everyone get home safely by eliminating distractions, leaving space between you and the vehicle in front of you, and driving the speed limit.

To learn more about distracted driving, visit www.fdot.gov/agencyresources/distracteddriving.