If you’ve ever driven on I-4 near Champions Gate in Osceola County, you understand the significance of the Florida Department of Transportation unveiling schedules for the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, expected to reduce traffic congestion along the stretch from Champions Gate to Osceola Parkway, as well as on I-4 between U.S. 27 and Champions Gate.
Proposed to the Legislature in January 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative will accelerate priority infrastructure projects across the state through an allocation of $4 Billion from the General Revenue Surplus starting in the 2023-2024 budget year. These projects are slated to address congestion, improve safety, ensure a resilient transportation system, enhance the supply chain and economic growth, and address future needs as the state continues to experience rapid growth.
“I’m proud we are investing $2 billion of the $4 billion ‘Moving Florida Forward’ funds in our backyard,” District 46 State Representative and candidate for Florida Senate District 25 said after the ‘Moving Florida Forward’ news conference.
“Bringing major infrastructure projects to life 15 to 20 years sooner through the Moving Florida Forward Initiative is a huge win for Florida’s families as they battle congestion on roadways across the state,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E.
“Moving Florida Forward is playing a key role in helping keep Floridians and the state’s millions of visitors moving efficiently,” said Representative Jennifer Canady. “These projects for Central Florida were chosen for a reason – to benefit our community by offering the most traffic congestion relief possible.”
Interstate 4 (I-4) from Champions Gate to Osceola Parkway: This project will reconstruct I-4 to accommodate three general use lanes, auxiliary lanes, and two special use lanes in the eastbound and westbound directions from west of County Road (C.R.) 532 / Champions Gate to east of C.R. 522 / Osceola Parkway. Reconstruction of existing interchanges is also part of this project. Construction starts in late 2024.
Interstate 4 (I-4) from U.S. 27 to Champions Gate: This project will reconstruct I-4 to accommodate three general use lanes, auxiliary lanes, and two special use lanes in the eastbound and westbound directions from west of U.S. 27 to west of County Road (C.R.) 532 / Champions Gate. Construction starts in Fall 2026.
“These projects will be transformational for Central Florida residents and visitors who rely on Interstate 4 every day,” said FDOT District Five Secretary John Tyler. “In fast-growing Osceola County, rebuilding the interstate and adding I-4 Express lanes will substantially improve safety and travel time in one of the most congested segments of I-4.”
“Through the Moving Florida Forward initiative, we embark on a historic journey, where FDOT’s projects on I-4 from U.S. 27 to Champions Gate and the I-4 at S.R. 33 Interchange promise to transform not just our transportation industry, but the very quality of life for Floridians and visitors alike. This legislation and funding represent a resounding victory for our state’s future,” said L.K. Nandam, FDOT District One Secretary.
For more information on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, including additional project details, please visit https://www.fdot.gov/movingfloridaforward/.
