More than 6 miles of added lanes on I-4 will be completed 8 months ahead of schedule

KISSIMMEE, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced early completion of the congestion relief lanes through one of the busiest sections of Interstate 4 (I-4), delivering on a promise he made last June to open the lanes by the end of 2025. Not only has this commitment been met, but it has been exceeded with these lanes being ready for use eight months ahead of schedule. The new lanes, one additional lane in each direction of I-4 from U.S. 27 in Polk County to World Drive in Osceola County, will be open for use beginning the week of April 28.

“We launched the Moving Florida Forward initiative to accelerate major transportation projects that reduce congestion and improve connectivity,” said Governor Ron 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.”

Governor DeSantis directed FDOT to deliver immediate congestion relief along I-4. In response, FDOT used an innovative construction approach to open new lanes early—eight months ahead of schedule—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 dedicated 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,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “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.”

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. For updates, visit MovingI4Forward.com