KISSIMMEE, FL — Governor Ron DeSantis announces early completion of the congestion relief lanes through one of the busiest sections of Interstate 4 (I-4). The lanes are ready for use eight months ahead of schedule. The new lanes include one additional lane in each direction of I-4 from U.S. 27 in Polk County, Florida, to World Drive in Osceola County, Florida.
“We launched the Moving Florida Forward initiative to accelerate major transportation projects that reduce congestion and improve connectivity,” DeSantis said. “With nearly 700 projects underway and $75 billion in infrastructure investment since 2019, we’re delivering real results for Floridians and keeping Florida moving.”
DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to deliver immediate congestion relief along I-4. In response, FDOT used an innovative construction approach to open new lanes early, improving travel times without waiting for full project completion. These lanes will remain open through all future construction.
To deliver quickly, FDOT launched the Moving I-4 Forward program and introduced a new modified phased design-build method, accelerating construction through collaboration and innovation. The I-4 team and its design-build partner are working at record speed to complete improvements well ahead of schedule.
“This milestone is a tremendous testament to the continued leadership of Governor DeSantis and the commitment of our industry to deliver for Floridians,” FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, PE, 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.”
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FDOT is also expediting full-build work at the C.R. 532 and World Drive interchanges and preparing to launch more projects along the 14-mile corridor from U.S. 27 in Polk County to S.R. 536 in Orange County. Improvements include two new express lanes and one general use lane in each direction, interchange upgrades, bridge work, resurfacing, and added safety features. These improvements will enhance traffic flow, safety, and regional connectivity — creating a continuous express lane system from Seminole County to Polk County and boosting Florida’s economy.
Looking forward, FDOT is advancing three major projects, including the new Poinciana Connector, which will begin construction and finalizing engineering this summer — two years sooner than anticipated. This new roadway connection will link I-4 to S.R. 429 and the future Central Florida Expressway facility, serving one of Osceola and Polk counties’ fastest-growing areas.
