Massive Overhaul of I-4 Through Orlando Started

[ParrotBill]

Link, although you may not be able to access without a subscription:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...nks-curve-semi-truck-fire-20150218-story.html

Spades were turned today to start a complete redesign which will add 4 toll lanes down the middle of I-4 from Kirkman Rd. to Route 434 (18 miles.) The work will be done by a private consortium called "I-4 Mobility." There is a deadline to complete work by (gulp!) March 2021. If you drive in FL and don't know how to use FL 436 as a bypass (formerly known as the Greenway)... over the next 6 years you will!

I will quote a couple of key points:

"I-4 Mobility is going to construct four toll lanes down the middle of the highway, along with other improvements, along a 21-mile stretch from Kirkman Road to the west to State Road 434 to the east."

"Tolls will be used to help pay for the work, which is nicknamed the I-4 Ultimate."

 

[cisco911]

How much traffic is this going to cause? I will be driving down in the summer and plan on taking 95 to 4 and taking 4 all the day to disney. Looking at the map, it looks like taking the 417 around orlando is the best option. Thoughts?

 

[ParrotBill]

No way to know when the constructions delays will really start yet.. I will be watching for some kind of official news site to go up for this project. I often use 417 instead and will encourage everyone to do the same! Yes it costs a few dollars, but well worth it. I bought a SunPass a few years ago so I just sail through!

 

[ParrotBill]

I found the project web site:
http://i4ultimate.com/

 

[ParrotBill]

And here's a little indicator of what's coming and when!

 

[crazy4wdw]

No way to know when the constructions delays will really start yet.. I will be watching for some kind of official news site to go up for this project. I often use 417 instead and will encourage everyone to do the same! Yes it costs a few dollars, but well worth it. I bought a SunPass a few years ago so I just sail through!

Thanks for the notice. I had heard that the expansion of I-4 was happening soon. I'll be driving down in October. I've never used 417 but I will certainly be using it for my next trip.

 

[cisco911]

No way to know when the constructions delays will really start yet.. I will be watching for some kind of official news site to go up for this project. I often use 417 instead and will encourage everyone to do the same! Yes it costs a few dollars, but well worth it. I bought a SunPass a few years ago so I just sail through!

If it means saving a hour in traffic, I am willing to pay whatever couple of dollars toll the 417 has! Does anyone know what the cost would be to take the 417 from i4 to epcot way?

 

[ParrotBill]

$7.25 ifpaid in cash
https://www.cfxway.com/TravelersExpressways/TravelResources/TollCalculator.aspx

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Thank God for Hwy 429 (Western Way). Won't have to deal with I-4

 

[jade1]

I'm picturing that's from US/IOA to WDW correct?

 

[baler31]

Where do you exit I-4 to 417 and what exit would you then use for Disney ? Driving for first time in awhile this fall.

 

[jade1]

I'm picturing that's from US/IOA to WDW correct?

Not seeing a map-but it appears Kirkman Road is exactly at US, so it must be a direct connection to WDW if I read it correctly, so in the long long run it would be nice to have for a back and forth.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Where do you exit I-4 to 417 and what exit would you then use for Disney ? Driving for first time in awhile this fall.

Looking at Google maps, the exit number is 101B, its just after you pass over Lake Monroe on 1-4.

Take exit 6 off of 417, which will place you on World Center Drive (near the Marriott World Center Hotel). World Center Drive connects directly to Epcot Center Drive.

 

[jcnewton]

Can any locals confirm, but I've heard doing just about anything on I-4 is a nightmare. I've only used it on off peak times/days so I've never seen it get too terrible. Coming down, I always take 429. I'll gladly pay whatever tolls to avoid traffic nightmares.

 

[Planogirl]

If we need to go close to downtown Orlando from WDW one evening, any best way to do that? I'm allowing an hour but maybe I'd better rethink that.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Can any locals confirm, but I've heard doing just about anything on I-4 is a nightmare. I've only used it on off peak times/days so I've never seen it get too terrible. Coming down, I always take 429. I'll gladly pay whatever tolls to avoid traffic nightmares.

I-4 is like any other urban highway...if you try to use it during packed times...or during major construction or get caught in the aftermath of a major accident...your gonna end up numb below the waist.

So navigating around using the greenway, boggy creek, Osceola, sand lake, John young, Vineland apopka, etc, etc, etc is gonna be important.

Sunpass is a great idea if you're driving occasionally in your own car(s)...you can get it at a restop and you only have to load it with $10...very easy to do.

In my experience (and I have alot post Disney)...the only thing worse than a public highway project is a private one...as it will inevitably go well overbudget and then will be looking for a government bailout. Which is possible in Connecticut...not so much where they don't have a tax base to cater to snowbirds and low wage service businesses.

With any luck...it will get done to relative plan. But then it will be a premium ride...which means I'll pay but the locals will not (much like 417 as is...often empty...and Osceola parkway...useless because Disney demanded it specifically for animal kingdom...or western way)...making the "old" I-4 a snarl.

Looks like mama's typical southern fried private disaster...at least on the surface. My opinion

 

[lockedoutlogic]

If we need to go close to downtown Orlando from WDW one evening, any best way to do that? I'm allowing an hour but maybe I'd better rethink that.

Depends where you're going, what time, day of the week, season, etc...

 

[doubleosix]

Thank for posting this. Now I plan accordingly

 

[Planogirl]

Depends where you're going, what time, day of the week, season, etc...

We are going on a Thursday in mid March between 6 and 6:30 PM, originally using I-4 exiting at W Michigan Street heading east... Oh, it will be Spring.

I guess that it'll make sense to see how bad things are closer to that date. I've been looking at maps and it does look like one could take 528 to S Orange Ave and then head north.

 

[sharadoc]

Where do you exit I-4 to 417 and what exit would you then use for Disney ? Driving for first time in awhile this fall.

There are obvious signs pointing to 417 and Sanford Airport. Make sure you go towards the airport, and TURN OFF YOUR GPS!! Otherwise, you will end up getting on and off 417 until your GPS is convinced that you didn't make a mistake and you do not want to go back to I-4.

Exit 6 is a little uncomfortable and can get very busy because it's the Downtown Disney exit, so it could fill up more. We like using Exit 3 which takes you around Gaylord Palms and into the main entrance to WDW, so you go under the big gate Then you can just follow the signs to wherever you want to go.