Last Updated on September 3, 2026 by Seth Lieberman
Celebration, Fla. — The newly added congestion relief lanes on Interstate 4 (I-4) fully opened to motorists on Monday, April 28, marking an important milestone for a program focused on delivering transportation improvements more quickly. The completion of the congestion relief lanes, which add one lane in each direction of I-4 from U.S. 27 in Polk County to World Drive in Osceola County, fulfills a promise made in 2024 to rapidly reduce congestion along one of the busiest sections of the interstate. This commitment has not only been met but exceeded, as the lanes opened eight months ahead of schedule.
More than 140,000 people travel this portion of I-4 each day, and drivers are already experiencing shorter travel times and reduced congestion throughout the day in an area that often sees heavy traffic. Will Watts, Jr., P.E., FDOT Assistant Secretary of Engineering and Operations, said that delivering such a critical improvement so quickly shows the significant impact transportation funding can have for Floridians. He noted that FDOT is excited to provide this accelerated congestion relief lane for the I-4 Corridor and will continue to maintain it while future improvements are built.
To accomplish this accelerated pace, the Florida Department of Transportation launched the Moving I-4 Forward program and introduced a Modified Phased Design-Build method, which speeds up construction by encouraging collaboration and innovation. The dedicated I-4 team and its Design-Build partner worked at record speed to finish the improvements well before the projected timeline.
Work is also progressing on additional improvements. FDOT is speeding up full-build work at the County Road 532 and World Drive interchanges and preparing for construction on other segments along the 14-mile corridor from U.S. 27 in Polk County to State Road 536 in Orange County. These upcoming improvements will include two new express lanes and intermittent auxiliary lanes in each direction, interchange upgrades, bridge work, resurfacing, and additional safety features. Together, these projects will enhance traffic flow, safety, and regional connectivity, ultimately creating a continuous express lane system from Seminole County to Polk County and contributing to Florida’s economic growth.
Motorists can learn more about ongoing improvements and receive updates at MovingI4forward.com. For real-time travel information, including planned lane closures due to construction, drivers can follow Moving I-4 Forward on X or visit FL511.com. A video highlighting the Accelerated Start and the new congestion relief lanes is available on the program’s YouTube page.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Corridors Program Office at FDOTCPOCOMM@dot.state.fl.us or to Matthew Richardson, Moving I-4 Forward Director of Communications, at 386-279-5478.
