Drivers commuting through one of the most congested stretches of Interstate 4 are now seeing significantly shorter travel times thanks to the early opening of new congestion relief lanes. The Florida Department of Transportation officially opened one additional lane in each direction between World Drive in Osceola County and U.S. 27 in Polk County on Monday, delivering long-awaited relief to the nearly 140,000 drivers who use this corridor daily.
The new lanes are part of the “Moving I-4 Forward” initiative — a 14-mile expansion project aimed at improving safety and mobility along a key segment of Central Florida’s busiest interstate. The milestone not only marks the completion of a major phase in the project but also exceeds expectations, with the lanes opening a full eight months ahead of schedule.
“This is a big win for our community,” said Commissioner Choudhry. “Reducing congestion along I-4 helps not only our commuters and families but also boosts our local economy by improving access for visitors and businesses in Osceola County. I’m proud to see this kind of progress happening right here in District 1.”
The relief lanes will remain open even as the broader project continues. FDOT, using an innovative Modified Phased Design-Build method, worked closely with industry partners to speed up delivery while ensuring quality and safety. The method allowed for phased construction, collaboration, and early activation of key segments — all without waiting for full project completion.
Governor Ron DeSantis, who previously committed to opening these lanes by the end of 2025, praised the project’s acceleration and touted the achievement as part of Florida’s broader commitment to infrastructure development.
“We launched the Moving Florida Forward initiative to accelerate major transportation projects that reduce congestion and improve connectivity,” said Governor DeSantis. “With nearly 700 projects underway and $75 billion in infrastructure investment since 2019, we’re delivering real results for Floridians and keeping Florida moving.”
FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., emphasized the importance of this achievement and its broader implications.
“This milestone is a tremendous testament to the commitment of our state and industry to deliver for Floridians,” Perdue said. “The Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative is a model for the rest of the country and continued investments from the Florida Legislature will keep this momentum going.”
In addition to the congestion relief lanes, FDOT is expediting construction at the C.R. 532 and World Drive interchanges and preparing to launch additional projects along the 14-mile I-4 corridor. These improvements include the addition of two express lanes and one general use lane in each direction, interchange enhancements, bridge upgrades, resurfacing, and critical safety features.
Future plans also include the early launch of the Poinciana Connector — a new roadway linking I-4 to S.R. 429 and the future Central Florida Expressway facility. Originally slated for later delivery, engineering and construction are now expected to begin this summer, serving one of the region’s fastest-growing areas.
The completion of this early phase not only brings immediate benefits to commuters and tourists navigating the I-4 corridor but also marks a pivotal step toward a larger, integrated transportation network that is designed to serve Central Florida for decades to come.
