December 2025 Newsletter

It’s been a busy year for Moving I-4 Forward, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from our local communities, agency and government partners, and the more than 140,000 average daily travelers of our section of Interstate 4 (I-4).

This program’s achievements are truly something to be shared by all. In that spirit, we want to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together, proving once again what’s possible when innovation, teamwork, and dedication align.

Let’s take a closer look at the highlights from a highly productive 2025.

Congestion Relief Lanes Opened

As part of Moving I-4 Forward’s first project, Accelerated Start, we opened one congestion relief lane in each direction along I-4 from east of U.S. 27 in Polk County to west of World Drive in Osceola County on April 28, 2025 — eight months ahead of schedule.

The results were remarkable. In a historically congested corridor, expanding from three general use lanes in each direction to four significantly improved traffic flow and reduced travel times by up to 50%. We’re encouraged by the feedback we’ve received from the surrounding communities and the positive impacts we’re seeing on I-4 across our program’s limits every day.

This milestone reflects Moving I-4 Forward’s commitment to delivering meaningful transportation improvements at an accelerated pace. With more exciting projects ahead, we’re well on our way.

To illustrate how impactful the congestion relief lanes have been, please click the link below for a video showing a before-and-after comparison.

Moving I-4 Forward Hosts Public Meeting

We welcomed more than 120 community members and others to the public meeting held Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Reunion Resort & Golf Club in Kissimmee, Florida. The public meeting highlighted upcoming Projects 1, 2, and 5 with an informational video and detailed exhibits. We also displayed information about the Accelerated Start project currently in construction, as well as Projects 3 and 4, which are in the design stage.

It was a successful evening of learning and insight. Program staff thoroughly enjoyed interacting with visitors and answering their questions, and we appreciate everyone who attended and shared thoughtful feedback. If you could not attend and would like to learn more, all materials shared at the public meeting can be viewed at the link below under the “Documents” section.

Building Florida’s Future:
Construction Training Program Expansion

Florida’s transportation landscape is evolving, and with it comes new opportunities to build lasting careers in construction. What began in Kissimmee as the Moving I‑4 Forward Construction Training Program has grown into a statewide initiative, now reaching communities through FDOT’s Mobile Construction Training Program. This paid, six‑week course equips participants with the skills needed to deliver transformational projects while opening doors to rewarding careers.

Graduates can choose up to two career tracks: Heavy Equipment Operator and CDL Class B License. Heavy Equipment trainees learn traffic maintenance, OSHA safety standards, FDOT operating procedures, and industry best practices. CDL participants gain the ability to operate commercial vehicles such as dump trucks and construction trucks. Both paths use state‑of‑the‑art training to ensure participants are confident and job‑ready before stepping into the field.

FDOT’s commitment goes beyond building roads; it’s about building people. By investing in a strong, skilled workforce, the program creates a sustainable pipeline of job‑ready professionals who can make an immediate impact. Together, we’re Moving I‑4 Forward.

Project 1 Moving Toward Construction

FDOT’s Contractor is moving toward construction on Project 1, which will enhance safety and connectivity at I-4 and the S.R. 417 and U.S. 192 interchanges. Active and visible construction activities will occur in early 2026.

This project is part of the Moving I-4 Forward Program that is committed to ensuring Florida’s infrastructure keeps pace with increasing traffic needs. The main goal of the Program is to accelerate the delivery of critical improvements along the I-4 corridor in Central Florida.

We look forward to starting this next chapter of improvements on I-4 and are confident this exceptional team will help bring Project 1’s vision to life.