Additional I-4 Ultimate Accelerated Work through downtown Orlando
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Additional I-4 Ultimate Accelerated Work Scheduled May 14–18

In accordance with Governor Ron DeSantis’ directive to accelerate the I-4 Ultimate project while there is reduced traffic due to COVID-19, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), I-4 Mobility Partners, and SGL Constructors (joint venture team of Skanska, Granite, and Lane) continue to push forward scheduling additional work during Phase One of the Governor’s Safe. Smart. Step by Step plan. Taking advantage of the unique opportunity and less crowded roadways will allow key improvements on the I-4 Ultimate project to open in an expedited manner.

Beginning as soon as 9 p.m. Thursday, May 14, through Monday, May 18, westbound I-4 will be reduced to one lane between Princeton Street and Gore Street while crews work to shift traffic to the new westbound general use lanes. To accomplish this, extensive closures will be required through downtown Orlando. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes or consider SunRail as a travel option to avoid delays while shifts are implemented.

Additionally, I-4 and S.R. 408 entrance and exit ramps will be closed at varying times throughout this week as work continues on the I-4/ S.R. 408 interchange.

For a complete list of scheduled closures, detours, and alternate routes, please download or view the handouts.

I-4 Ultimate has been able to safely accelerate construction by combining closures and shifts that normally would have required many more weeks and multiple steps to accomplish.

While encouraged to avoid using westbound I-4 through the downtown area, motorists should allow extra time to seek an alternate route or to navigate the area. Drivers are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving through the work zone and follow posted detour signs.

Modifications or extensions to these schedules may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Any changes will be communicated as soon as they are available.

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces the Opening of the I-4/S.R. 408 Interchange Ramps Three Months Ahead of Schedule

As a result of his directive to accelerate work on the I-4 Ultimate project due to decreased volume in traffic as a result of COVID-19, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) today announced the opening of five new Interstate 4 (I-4)/State Road (S.R.) 408 flyover ramps. This project is completed more than three months ahead of schedule and enhances safety and mobility, while reducing travel times in the heart of Florida.

“I’m pleased to announce the opening of the I-4 corridor three months earlier than planned after we took advantage of the lower traffic volume by accelerating work on some of these busy roads,” said Governor DeSantis. “The completion of this project will make a big difference for Floridians who commute through this area. Secretary Thibault has shown his commitment and dedication in completing this project expeditiously and I look forward to seeing more infrastructure projects like this finish ahead of schedule.”

“In early April, Governor DeSantis challenged the Department to find ways to accelerate I-4 construction while there was less traffic on the road, and I am pleased to announce that we have opened these critical components of the I-4 corridor to drivers, three months ahead of schedule,” said FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “This is the biggest milestone of the project to date, which will undoubtedly transform the heart of our state’s transportation system. I am grateful for the Governor’s common-sense approach to moving Florida forward during this unprecedented time.”

“Today’s event marks an amazing achievement for the state as well as the Central Florida community,” said Central Florida Expressway Authority Chairman Brenda
Carey. “We appreciate the continued partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation and look forward to further improving mobility throughout the region.”

On April 11, Governor DeSantis and Secretary Thibault announced plans to open the I-4/S.R.408 interchange by Independence Day, which was ahead of schedule. Since then, the Department was able to further accelerate work by more than 6 weeks, opening four new I-4/S.R. 408 ramps along with the eastbound S.R. 408 ramp to westbound I-4.

During the acceleration period, the I-4 Ultimate team has been working at more than 12 locations with extended lane and ramp closures and has reduced construction time by one to two months.

To view all of the new interchange movements, motorists should visit the S.R. 408 Interactive Maps. When traveling throughout the corridor, always maintain a safe speed in the work zone, follow posted detour signs, and allow extra time to navigate the downtown area.

The westbound S.R. 408 to westbound I-4 flyover is the final interchange and is scheduled to open later this summer.