Driving down soon....how is construction traffic in FL.?

[jimmytammy]

We saw where there is LOTS of construction going on right now on I-95 and I-4 through the Fl. DOT site.

Can anyone who has recently traveled those roads fill me in on what to expect and are there any alternatives suggested?

 

[Uncleromulus]

This response will serve more as a bump than anything else, but:
We drove down in early Oct. and were in the (I-95/(I-4) area on a Saturday. There were probably 3/4 of a million costruction cones all over, and lots of equipment--but NO WORK of any kind being done!!!
You'll probably get a more up to date response, but could be the day of the week may have something to do with construction.

 

[ducklite]

My DH is driving down from NJ tomorrow, I'll ask him when he gets here and let you know.

Anne

 

[jimmytammy]

Thank you both!

 

[kydisneyfans]

If you have driven the trip any time over the past 3 or 4 years, the construction is still in the same places as before.

It almost seems like it is mandated that a certain amount of cones be on the road at one time. I75 from Tennessee south is the same way. The construction on the west side of Knoxville has been the same for years. The area around Valdosta, GA has had very little work done in 2 years. I have NEVER seen work being done in these areas.

KY and Ohio seem to have more projects, but they also seem to get the work done faster.

 

[Uncleromulus]

At least the last 4 years--and maybe longer. Can't be too many traffic cones left anywhere else in the US

 

[ducklite]

I'll do a running post on this--we're talking on and off as he's driving.

Either southern Delaware or very Northern MD, 2-3 miles stretch of 95 in both directions with center median construction so left lane in both directions was closed.

Bentonville, NC--miles marker 89, Northbound lanes, there's about a mile that one lane is closed off. If you get off onto the Four Oaks exit (87?), go west 1/4 mile to US301S northbound for two miles, get back on at the end of it at mile marker 89 if it's backed up.

More as he sees it...

Anne

 

[JudithM]

Thanks, Anne! Please keep those I95 road reports coming as time permits.

 

[jimmytammy]

Yes, thanks Anne. We have friends leaving this Wed. and we will be leaving Fri.

My friend actually brought this to our attention so it would be great to report this to him as you post.

 

[ducklite]

Unfortunately his cell phone died and wouldn't recharge while he was driving. He got here about 9:00 while I was still on my way back from Tampa (bought a painting at an art show last week but couldn't pick it up until the last evening of the show) so I couldn't keep it running. He's still sleeping (he drives straight through by himself!) so I'll try to get more info when he gets up. BTW, it couldn't have been that bad, because he made it in about 16.5 hours.

Anne

 

[jimmytammy]

Anne
Thanks again. It does sound like he made good time. Maybe it wont be so bad afterall. Does he ever take any alternate routes in Fl. if 95 or 4 are backed up really bad? I think we are looking at a backup plan just in case. Maybe 17 or 301? Any advice will help.

 

[ducklite]

Oh! You reminded me--he did mention a BAD backup on I-4 in Orlando last night. There was a game at the Citrus Bowl letting out as he was coming through if I got his story right, and it was backed up terrible! He gets on teh East West right around the Citrus Bowl, and he said there must have been 600 cars (and an accident) in the cash only lanes, which blocked access to the Sun Pass lanes. It took him about 15 minutes to get through that mess.

Once the 429 opens from Apopka to 192 it should help ease some of the I-4 congestion. As an FYI, I heard on the radio the other day that they plan on widening I-4 from six to twelve lanes, the work is scheduled to take twelve years, and a lane in each direction will be out of commission.

An alternate route will be to get on 417 up above Deland (not sure exactly where it starts up there) and taking it all the way south to WDW. It's longer and a toll road, but if I-4 is closed or really congested it will be shorter timewise.

Anyhow, I've got Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Bread in the oven for him (smells great!), it will be done and ready to eat in about half an hour, so I"m going to wake him up soon and will hopefully have more news.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

Update-- Georgia had construction on I-95 south of exit 87 where they are adding another lane--he thinks around the 50 mile marker range, they are adding a third lane. There are still two lanes open, but the lanes shift and narrow a bit. There was no back up but the speed limit was reduced to 50 (but most were still going 70).

Florida--starting around St. Augustine and all the way to Daytona (I-4) they are adding a lane, there's ten miles of new third lane open, and the construction continues. There are still two lanes open, but they are shifted, and you do have to slow down due to road conditions. (He says if it's raining you'll be doing under 50). It slowed him down just a bit, but there was no major congestion or backups as a result.

Anne

 

[cranbiz]

417 starts in Sanford and goes to Celebration. It's an exellent route to use if I4 is backed up. It's well worth the $6.00 in tolls. The traffic system on I4 will inform you of congestion and you should be able to make a decision on routing early enough to be able to choose your highway.

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks so much Ducklite for all the info and Cranbiz for that alternate route. In all the times we have driven to WDW, we have only experienced 1 major backup. It was on I-4, early March and it was Daytona Bike week. I just remember this one long bridge near Sanford that took forever to cross. And having to use the restroom really bad didnt help the matter either

 

[Uncleromulus]

Ducklite:
12 years!! I'll be 72 years old when they are done--wonder if l I'll still be able to drive and take advantage of the new road??

 

[jimmytammy]

Our friend who is actually on the road as I write this sent this site to us last night. It is www.fl511.com
It shows realtime traffic conditions for the Orlando area and I believe you can expand it out to other areas also.
Just let someone who isnt driving be the watcher of this site