Interstate 4’s relatively short path through northwest Osceola County will get upgrades, accelerated by a Florida Department of Transportation program.
As announced last week, through the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, I-4 from Osceola Parkway to Champion Gate, and a separate project from Champions Gate to U.S, 27, are part of a $4 billion state spending plan coming from an allocation from the General Revenue Surplus.
Daily, I-4 backs up between Osceola Parkway and U.S. 27 in Polk County especially eastbound.
In Osceola County, the $1.45 billion project, slated to begin construction in late 2024, will reconstruct I-4 to add auxiliary lanes and two special use lanes, an effective extension of the “I-4 Ultimate” added lanes through Orlando, in both directions.
In the fall of 2026, construction will begin on three general use lanes, auxiliary lanes, and two special use lanes.
“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.”
For those who drive to Lakeland, the I-4/State Road 33 interchange is also getting a facelift through the infrastructure initiative, starting in late 2024.
Previously, the state had listed the Poinciana Parkway extension from 17-92 through County Road 532 to State Road 429 as part of the initiative.
For more on Moving Florida Forward, visit https://www.fdot.gov/movingfloridaforward
