Work continues to progress at the Interstate 4 (I-4) and Apopka-Vineland Road (State Road (S.R.) 535) interchange project. Crews are working to improve traffic flow from northbound Apopka-Vineland Road to eastbound I-4 by widening the entrance ramp.

To facilitate this work, crews completed a traffic shift of eastbound I-4 in late May, shifting lanes closer to the median. Once the shift was complete, crews paved the outside shoulder of I-4 with new asphalt leading up to the entrance ramp. This work gave crews the space they needed to begin widening the ramp.

In June, crews demolished the pavement on the outside shoulder of the ramp to create space for new roadway base material. Then they graded the area for the new road surface and placed limerock on top of the base, preparing it for new asphalt.

Paving the new roadway surface began earlier this month to complete the widening of the eastbound I-4 entrance ramp. The new road surface extends the length of the ramp by about 1,400 feet, giving motorists more time and distance to merge onto eastbound I-4 from northbound Apopka-Vineland Road.

Crews used nightly ramp detours to allow workers and motorists to stay safe during this construction phase.

Other recent work on the project includes placement of limerock for the eventual reconfiguration of the westbound I-4 entrance ramp later this year.

These improvements will provide safer, more efficient access to I-4 from Apopka-Vineland Road, helping keep traffic moving through one of Central Florida's busiest interchanges.

To stay up to date on lane closures and traffic shifts for this project, sign up for advance construction alerts at I4Beyond.com/Alerts. To learn more about the improvement project, visit I4Beyond.com/SR535.

In 2026, the nation celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Interstate Highway System — a network that transformed the way Americans travel. Every mile of interstate can be traced back to a single starting point in 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, establishing a 41,000-mile system of interstate highways.

Construction of Central Florida’s Interstate 4 (I-4) began in 1958, with the first stretch completed the following year and the full length of I-4 opening in 1965. As businesses and tourism grew across Central Florida, I-4 took shape as a vital corridor serving our region’s residents and visitors.

By 2020, the story of I-4 had continued to evolve through major improvements, including upgraded interchanges and modernized bridges such as the St. Johns River Bridge. That year, new flyover ramps connecting State Road (S.R.) 408 to I-4 opened as part of the I-4 Ultimate project, improving traffic flow and regional connectivity. In February 2022, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) celebrated the opening of I-4 Express, two managed lanes stretching 21 miles in each direction that created a safe and reliable travel option for motorists navigating Central Florida's busiest corridor. I-4 became fully connected to Wekiva Parkway in early 2024, providing motorists with even more travel choices in Central Florida.

In fall 2025, improvements to I-4 and Daryl Carter Parkway were completed, transforming the former overpass into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). Motorists gained direct access to Daryl Carter Parkway from two new exit ramps (Exit 70) and an entrance ramp to eastbound I-4. In 2026, crews completed a project to widen the westbound I-4 exit ramp to eastbound S.R. 528 from one lane to two, doubling its capacity.

Building on decades of progress, improvements are ongoing at the I-4 interchanges at Sand Lake Road (S.R. 482) and Apopka-Vineland Road (S.R. 535), making both interchanges safer and more efficient and extending westbound I-4 Express for 10 additional miles. Work is also well underway on the Moving I-4 Forward program, a series of five projects improving I-4 from west of U.S. 27 to east of S.R. 536.

For 70 years, the Interstate Highway System has connected communities, supported economic growth, and carried generations of travelers toward their destinations. As we look back, there’s much to celebrate in the rearview mirror while continuing to pave the way toward a more connected future.

Have you ever noticed that lanes on some roads seem wider or narrower than others? That's intentional. Lane widths are carefully designed for each roadway to promote safety, improve traffic flow, and accommodate the unique needs of drivers and the surrounding area.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) follows state and national design standards when determining lane widths. Engineers consider several factors, including the speed limit, traffic volume, the types of vehicles using the road, and available space.

The intended use of a roadway shapes lane widths. Wider lanes on higher-speed roads give drivers more room to maneuver and provide additional space for larger vehicles. On lower-speed roads, slightly narrower lanes can encourage more cautious driving while creating room for features like sidewalks, bicycle lanes, landscaping, medians, and turn lanes. On most interstates, including Interstate 4 (I-4), general-use lanes are typically 12 feet wide. This width provides enough space for passenger and commercial vehicles to travel safely at interstate speeds. Lanes on arterial roads are typically 10 to 12 feet wide. The width of these lanes is narrower to limit speeds, fit local spaces, and accommodate bike lanes and/or pedestrian features.

The width of roadway shoulders is determined by the type of road and its purpose. On interstates, outside shoulders are typically 10 to 12 feet wide to provide space for emergency responders and disabled passenger or commercial vehicles requiring assistance. Inside shoulders are usually 4 to 10 feet wide, providing an added safety buffer next to the median and room for maintenance or incident response. On arterial roads, shoulder widths vary depending on the roadway and surrounding environment.

On interstate entrance and exit ramps, lane widths may depend on the interchange’s design and location.

Lane widths are just one aspect of roadway design. Engineers also consider lane markings, barriers, drainage, roadway material, and other factors. Together, these elements create a roadway that is safer, more efficient, and built to handle traffic.

As part of the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate improvements, every lane, shoulder, and roadway feature is designed to meet current standards and support a safer, more reliable trip for everyone who travels the corridor.

Getting enough sleep is essential for your health, but its impact on safe driving is often underestimated. Observed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) September 1-7, Drowsy Driving Prevention Week raises awareness of the importance of being well-rested and alert before getting behind the wheel.

Drowsy driving is a significant concern for public health and safety across the country. More than one in five crash-related fatalities have been related to driver fatigue. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), drivers ages 18 to 29 are the most likely to drive while drowsy. In fact, 71% of drivers in this age group report having driven while feeling sleepy, a significantly higher rate than other age groups.

The most common factor for drowsy driving is lack of sleep. Sleep-deprived drivers are more likely to experience fatigue, slower reaction times, and reduced alertness while behind the wheel. People who work overnight or non-traditional shifts, commercial drivers, and those with untreated sleep disorders are at greater risk of being involved in drowsy driving crashes. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night to help prevent drowsy driving and keep Florida’s roads safer.

Some medications can also cause drowsiness. Motorists are advised to always read the label carefully and follow any warnings before driving. If medication can cause drowsiness, drivers should avoid driving and use alternative methods of travel, such as public transportation, a rideshare service, or ask a trusted friend or relative for a ride.

Being well-rested before driving is important for everyone’s safety. If you have trouble focusing during a long commute or road trip, pull over to a safe location and take a break. During long trips, plan to take a break every 100 miles or every two to three hours. FDOT has multiple rest areas, service plazas, and truck comfort stations throughout Central Florida, and these can be located using resources such as Florida 511. Drivers traveling with others can use the “buddy system” and routinely switch drivers, allowing everyone to get some rest between stops. Whenever possible, avoid driving during the hours when you would normally be asleep, as your body's natural sleep cycle can significantly increase the risk of drowsy driving.

The safest trip begins with a good night's sleep. Let Drowsy Driving Prevention Week serve as a reminder to all drivers to get proper rest, drive alert, and recognize the signs of fatigue to help create safer roads for everyone.