Congestion relief for a burgeoning area of Interstate 4 (I-4) in Osceola County is on the horizon.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Osceola County are inviting the public to a hearing regarding interim design plans for improvements to I-4 and County Road (C.R.) 532 near ChampionsGate.

The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at 5:30 p.m.

The Department is offering two ways for the community to participate in the hearing. Interested persons may join the Virtual Public Hearing (VPH) from a computer, tablet or phone. Or, they may participate in person by going to the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in the Osceola County Conference Center, 1500 Masters Blvd., ChampionsGate. All participants, regardless of platform they choose, will participate in the same live hearing.

A VPH is a free, live presentation or webinar over the internet. If you wish to participate in the VPH online from an electronic device or by phone, please register in advance by going to: www.I4Beyond.com/ChampionsGate. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the VPH online. To participate in the public hearing over the phone, call 844-276-FDOT (3368).

The design projects that will be discussed include:

• I-4 and C.R. 532 Interchange Reconfiguration: Design plans reconfigure the I-4 and C.R. 532 interchange to a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). This is a joint project between Osceola County and FDOT. The county is designing the project, and FDOT will oversee its construction. A DDI removes turns across oncoming traffic. This is a safety and operational improvement project. The project will also add bike lanes and sidewalks along C.R. 532 for improved bicycle and pedestrian connectivity and safety. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2021.
• I-4 Auxiliary Lane Additions: The project includes the addition of 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 an auxiliary lane on northbound S.R. 429 between I-4 and Sinclair Road. This is an FDOT project. The westbound I-4 exit ramp and the eastbound I-4 entrance ramp at the C.R. 532 interchange will also be widened to two lanes to increase traffic flow and capacity. The project includes milling and resurfacing S.R. 429 between I-4 and Sinclair Road. Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2021.
• I-4 Milling and Resurfacing: This project will mill and resurface eastbound and westbound I-4 from the Polk-Osceola County line to west of S.R. 417. This is an FDOT project. Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2021.

For more information about the I-4 design projects at ChampionsGate, visit I4Beyond.com/ChampionsGate.