In an effort to further reduce congestion along one of the busiest sections of Interstate 4 running through downtown Orlando, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) added flashing amber lights to the top of the variable speed limit signs installed last September. These signs are in place along a 10-mile stretch of I-4 from Orange Blossom Trail to Maitland Boulevard.

Variable speed limit signs are designed to lower the speed limit for vehicles leading into heavily congested areas, in an effort to limit stop-and-go traffic and promote A Smarter Pace. The new flashing lights are designed to alert drivers of the changing speed limit.

“The lights only flash when variable speed limit signs change to a lower than normal speed limit,” said Michael Smith, FDOT ITS Systems Manager. “The lights will remain flashing as long as speed limits are lower than the default limit for the area.”

The flashing lights were activated January 28. FDOT hopes the new lights will draw attention to variable signs when speed limits are reduced to create a safer, steadier trip through I-4 congestion. For more information on variable speed limits visit www.trans4mation.org.