Major changes are underway on Interstate 4 (I-4) in the Orlando attractions area. Crews at the I-4 and Sand Lake Road (State Road (S.R.) 482) interchange improvement project are reconstructing westbound I-4 from west of Kirkman Road (S.R. 435) to east of S.R. 528 (Beachline Expressway).

Later this summer, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will shift traffic to new westbound I-4 general use lanes, which are being constructed alongside the existing westbound I-4 lanes.

The new westbound I-4 lanes will pass over Sand Lake Road atop a new bridge that was constructed alongside westbound I-4 over the past year. In 2024, crews set numerous concrete beams over Sand Lake Road for the new bridge. FDOT highlighted this beam setting process in an award-winning construction progress video, which you can check out here.

Once crews shift traffic onto the new lanes, the current westbound I-4 general use lanes and the existing westbound I-4 bridge over Sand Lake Road will be reconstructed to accommodate the future I-4 Express extension. Crews are working to extend westbound I-4 Express from its current endpoint near Kirkman Road to just west of S.R. 536 as part of three separate projects. The I-4 Express extension will feature two barrier-separated westbound express lanes. The two barrier-separated lanes will transition to a single, buffer-separated westbound express lane after Sand Lake Road.

The three projects to extend I-4 Express are the I-4 improvement projects at the Sand Lake Road, Daryl Carter Parkway, and Apopka-Vineland Road (S.R. 535) interchanges. The new westbound I-4 Express lane is anticipated to open in 2027, following completion of the I-4 and Sand Lake Road project.

To learn more about the I-4 and Sand Lake Road interchange project, visit I4Beyond.com/SandLake.

Construction on the County Road (C.R.) 46A (H.E. Thomas Jr. Parkway) and Rinehart Road improvement project is entering its final stages. Significant progress has been made as the project nears completion, improving both safety and traffic flow in the area.

Recently, crews installed new "No U-turn" signage in the median at the intersection of C.R. 46A and Rinehart Road to prevent potentially hazardous U-turns that can lead to delays or collisions, especially during high-traffic periods. These changes will help the intersection function more smoothly, minimizing backups and enhancing the overall driving experience.

The improvements at the intersection include the addition of new turn lanes. On southbound Rinehart Road, crews constructed new right-turn lanes to help drivers more easily transition onto westbound C.R. 46A. The project includes new right-turn lanes from eastbound C.R. 46A to southbound Rinehart Road. Additionally, a lane that previously allowed motorists to either turn right or proceed through the intersection has been converted to a through-only lane.

To further enhance capacity, several turn lanes have been modified and/or lengthened. A new third lane on southbound Rinehart Road just south of the intersection provides easier access to local businesses. Upgrades to walkways enhance safety for pedestrians.

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

To learn more about this project, visit I4Beyond.com/cr46a.

With the start of summer upon us, it’s important to make sure everyone can have fun and get to their destinations safely. Florida is one of the busiest states in the country during the summer months, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and FLHSMV ask everyone on Florida’s roads to help keep each other safe by driving the speed limit. Motorists are responsible for observing the speed limits on each stretch of road they travel. The maximum speed limit in Florida is 70 miles per hour on highways. Not only is it illegal to speed, but speeding increases the frequency and severity of crashes.

Tire safety is important when getting ready to hit the road in your vehicle. If your tires are worn, damaged, or improperly inflated, it can cause crashes. Worn tread makes tires more prone to hydroplaning during Florida’s summer rainstorms. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers accumulate more than 2,900 billion miles on tires in the United States each year. With that in mind, drivers should regularly inspect and maintain their tires.

It is a Florida law that all drivers, front seat passengers, and passengers under the age of 18 fasten their safety belts. Wearing your seatbelt reduces the risk of being injured or killed in a crash by almost 50 percent.

Summer means fun in the sun and could also mean enjoying cold beverages. Be smart when drinking. Plan ahead and designate a driver or call a ride service. Under Florida law, driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as impairment by alcohol or any substance or having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above. If you suspect a driver is impaired, contact law enforcement or dial *FHP (*347).

To learn more about safe summer travel, including preventing vehicular heatstroke, driving in inclement weather, and traveling with pets, visit the FLHSMV website. Let’s get everyone where they are going safely.