A major construction project in central Florida is scheduled to open this month, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday.
Five new interchanges on I-4 and State Road 408 were scheduled to open later this summer, but work on the projects helped the Florida Department of Transportation open them three months ahead of schedule. The projects will enhance safety and mobility, as well as reduce travel times in the area, DeSantis said.
“I’m pleased to announce the opening of the I-4 corridor three months earlier than planned after we took advantage of the lower traffic volume by accelerating work on some of these busy roads,” DeSantis said. “The completion of this project will make a big difference for Floridians who commute through this area. Secretary Thibault has shown his commitment and dedication in completing this project expeditiously, and I look forward to seeing more infrastructure projects like this finish ahead of schedule.”
In April, DeSantis urged the DOT to find ways to accelerate the I-4 construction while there was less traffic on the road due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The department was able to further accelerate the work by putting workers at more than 12 locations along the construction corridor.
“Today’s event marks an amazing achievement for the state as well as the Central Florida community,” said Central Florida Expressway Authority Chairman Brenda Carey. “We appreciate the continued partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation and look forward to further improving mobility throughout the region.”
Construction on westbound S.R. 408 to the westbound I-4 flyover is the last part of the project and is scheduled to open later this summer.