KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the early completion of two new congestion relief lanes on Interstate 4 (I-4) in Central Florida, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure. These new lanes, part of the “Moving Florida Forward” initiative, run in both directions between U.S. 27 in Polk County and World Drive in Osceola County, covering approximately 7.5 miles of one of the region’s most heavily trafficked corridors.
Originally projected to be completed by the end of 2025, the accelerated timeline has been achieved through innovative construction strategies and a commitment to expediting critical infrastructure projects. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has implemented phased construction efforts at key points along the corridor, including ChampionsGate and World Drive, to minimize traffic disruptions and expedite project completion .
The new lanes are designed to alleviate congestion for approximately 200,000 daily travelers, including commuters, tourists, and freight carriers. In addition to the added lanes, the project includes the widening of road shoulders to facilitate emergency evacuations and the optimization of interchanges to reduce traffic backups .
Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of these improvements in enhancing the quality of life for Floridians and supporting the state’s growing economy. “Transportation needs to be about the movement of people and goods over political ideologies,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “I’m grateful we have a Governor and Legislature who are focused on delivering actual infrastructure that improves Floridians’ quality of life” .
The “Moving Florida Forward” initiative represents a $4 billion investment aimed at accelerating transportation projects across the state. By leveraging funds from the General Revenue Surplus, the initiative seeks to relieve congestion, improve safety, and enhance Florida’s supply chain .
With the early completion of these congestion relief lanes, Central Florida residents and visitors can expect improved traffic flow and reduced travel times along this critical stretch of I-4. The success of this project sets a precedent for future infrastructure developments aimed at meeting the transportation needs of Florida’s rapidly growing population.
