Interstate 4 is a transportation lifeline through Orlando for residents and visitors alike. The construction projects that — in the coming years — will combine to create the Ultimate I-4 are designed to facilitate the flow of traffic through the Orlando area to make sure travelers’ vacations, business dealings and daily commutes go with the flow.
An important part of the Ultimate I-4 is the reconstruction of the interchange connecting I-4 and Kirkman Road, which leads into the heart of Orlando’s busiest business district and many area tourist attractions. Kirkman Road leads directly into Orlando’s greater metropolitan area and connects I-4 drivers to a host of tourist attractions in southwest Orange County, including Universal Orlando and International Drive.
The new Kirkman interchange will enhance access between I-4 and Kirkman Road and add ramps directly accessing future special use lanes (SUL), which will be built along the I-4 corridor to enhance traffic flow. When the project is completed, new ramps will connect eastbound I-4 and southbound Kirkman Road for those both entering and exiting the interstate. Currently, eastbound I-4 drivers cannot exit onto southbound Kirkman Road, and vice versa. Once I-4 SULs are constructed, eastbound and westbound I-4 drivers using those lanes will be able to exit onto Kirkman Road in either direction. In addition, Kirkman Road drivers in either direction will be able to enter directly onto eastbound I-4 SULs.
The combination of new interchange ramps and SUL ramps will help traffic efficiency for tourists, commuters and those transporting consumer goods into this vacation and business gateway of the Orlando area. This I-4 project, teamed with many others that are in planning or already underway, will help move Central Florida that much closer to the Ultimate I-4. |