Anyone traveling on Interstate 4 over the past few years has undoubtedly noticed a great deal of construction going on. But what many might not realize is that each of the individual construction projects is actually part of an Ultimate I-4 vision planned by FDOT many years ago.

The vision for an Ultimate I-4 began in 1992 when FDOT initiated the I-4 Multi-Modal Master Plan for Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Volusia counties. This plan analyzed how I-4 influences transportation throughout Central Florida, including commuter and tourist traffic as well as mass transit, rail and more. From this analysis, FDOT performed an environmental study, designed a series of construction projects and began purchasing necessary land to transform I-4 into the premier transportation corridor for travelers through Central Florida.

Among the most significant improvements included in the Ultimate I-4 vision are:
• Adding two special use lanes in each direction in the middle of a widened I-4 to improve traffic flow
• Improving interchanges along I-4 by reconfiguring entrance and exit ramps, and streamlining traffic flow between I-4 and many major streets
• Implementing a wide range of aesthetic and landscape improvements to I-4 to improve the visual appeal of the interstate
• Constructing noise walls in qualifying neighborhoods as I-4 expands and improves

FDOT has completed major improvements at the I-4 and S.R. 408 interchange, as well as interchanges at U.S. 17/92, John Young Parkway, S.R. 44 and U.S. 192. A stabilization project to prepare I-4 for improvements at the Maitland Boulevard interchange is now underway. Federal funds have also been set aside for Ultimate I-4 improvements from Orange Blossom Trail to Ivanhoe Boulevard, and construction could begin by 2014. FDOT will continue to schedule additional construction projects as funding becomes available.

For more information on the Ultimate I-4 plan visit: www.trans4mation.org