I-4 Progress In Review
Major Milestones of 2008
This year has been full of major milestones for Interstate 4. FDOT has opened many new ramps, wrapped up projects and installed technology that all provide easier, safer commutes for Central Florida drivers. The following is a quick look at the major I-4 construction and technological accomplishments of 2008.
New US 17-92 Flyover Ramp
Completion: February 2008
Cost: $22.6 million
The new flyover ramp from eastbound I-4 to US 17-92 (Exit 104) elevates traffic over Orange Boulevard, a set of active railroad tracks and an I-4 entrance ramp, saving drivers time as they avoid these obstacles. The ramp ultimately loops traffic to US 17-92, providing congestion relief and a more direct route to the nearby Central Florida Regional Hospital for emergency responders.
I-4 Widening from SR 472 to SR 44
Completion: September 2008
Cost: $58.6 million
A new two-lane westbound SR 44 bridge over I-4 was the last of four bridges that were constructed to help alleviate congestion and provide safer travel routes for drivers. New bridges at Cassadaga Road, Orange Camp Road and Summit Avenue opened earlier during the project.
The entire project widened a 4.35 mile section of I-4 from four to six lanes between SR 472 and SR 44. Other I-4/SR 44 interchange enhancements included:
- A new exit ramp from eastbound I-4 to eastbound SR 44
- A new exit ramp from westbound I-4 to westbound SR 44
- A reconfigured exit ramp from eastbound I-4 to westbound SR 44
- A reconfigured exit ramp from westbound I-4 to eastbound SR 44
I-4/SR 408 Interim Interchange
Completion: December 2008
Cost: $122 million
The biggest roadway project FDOT wrapped up in 2008 was the I-4/SR 408 Interim Interchange. Work on the project included building several new ramps, landscaping and improvements to Anderson and South Streets. The following new ramps were added as part of the interim project to help ease congestion at the region’s busiest interchange:
- The new ramp from eastbound SR 408 to eastbound I-4 is a shorter, faster and safer route for drivers. (Opened to drivers February 2008)
- The flyover ramp from westbound SR 408 to eastbound I-4 provides a faster and more direct route for drivers trying to get onto I-4 from SR 408. (Opened to drivers July 2008)
- The new “Gateway” ramp replaced the old Anderson Street exit and brings traffic to the intersection of South Street and Garland Avenue. This provides easy access to downtown, the new Orlando Arena under construction and the planned Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center. (Opened to drivers August 2008)
- The new Anderson Street Bridge accommodates two-way traffic from Division Avenue to Rosalind Avenue. (Opened to drivers October 2008) The new bridge has two new ramps also accommodating the flow of traffic downtown:
- The ramp from Anderson Street to eastbound I-4 provides alternate access to I-4 from the busy downtown area. (Opened to the public October 2008)
- A ramp from westbound I-4 to Anderson Street provides congestion relief as many vehicles travel to the heart of downtown Orlando. (Opened to the public November 2008)
- Additionally, a ramp from the South Street and Hughey Avenue intersection to westbound I-4 now provides easier access from downtown to the interstate. (Opened to the public November 2008)
Activation of Variable Speed Limits on I-4
In September 2008, FDOT activated variable speed limit signs on I-4 in both directions between Maitland Boulevard and Orange Blossom Trail. This technological advancement allows operators at FDOT’s Regional Traffic Management Center to control the posted limits on digital speed limit signs. Data from roadway sensors, traffic surveillance cameras and reports from Road Rangers and the Florida Highway Patrol are analyzed when deciding when the electronic signs should be changed. Operators adjust the speed limits to help ease the flow of traffic and reduce the stop-and-go accordion effect that occurs during rush hours along this highly congested area.
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