For Immediate Release
September 27, 2023
*PHOTO RELEASE*
FDOT Releases Construction Timelines for Moving Florida Forward Projects
Construction Schedules Announced for Major Interstate 4 (I-4) Projects
CHAMPIONSGATE, FL– Today, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced important updates on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, including expected construction timelines for the following projects: I-4 from Champions Gate to Osceola Parkway, I-4 at State Road 33 Interchange, and I-4 from U.S. 27 to Champions Gate.
Proposed to the Legislature in January 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative will accelerate priority infrastructure projects across the state through an allocation of $4 Billion from the General Revenue Surplus starting in the 2023-2024 budget year. These projects are slated to address congestion, improve safety, ensure a resilient transportation system, enhance the supply chain and economic growth, and address future needs as the state continues to experience rapid growth.
“Bringing major infrastructure projects to life 15 to 20 years sooner through the Moving Florida Forward Initiative is a huge win for Florida’s families as they battle congestion on roadways across the state,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “The FDOT team is excited to carry out Governor DeSantis’ bold vision and bring this much-needed relief to our communities now that funding is secured with support from the Legislature. We’re ready to get to work.”
“Moving Florida Forward is playing a key role in helping keep Floridians and the state’s millions of visitors moving efficiently,” said Representative Jennifer Canady. “These projects for Central Florida were chosen for a reason – to benefit our community by offering the most traffic congestion relief possible.”
Interstate 4 (I-4) from Champions Gate to Osceola Parkway: This project will reconstruct I-4 to accommodate three general use lanes, auxiliary lanes, and two special use lanes in the eastbound and westbound directions from west of County Road (C.R.) 532 / Champions Gate to east of C.R. 522 / Osceola Parkway. Reconstruction of existing interchanges is also part of this project. Construction starts in late 2024.
Interstate 4 (I-4) at State Road (S.R.) 33 Interchange: The I-4 at S.R. 33 interchange is located within the City of Lakeland in the northwest portion of Polk County. The interchange is a rural diamond interchange configuration that has single lane on- and off-ramps and two unsignalized ramp terminal intersections. This project will make modifications to the interchange, add lanes on S.R. 33 from Old Combee Road to North Tomkow Road, and improve wildlife crossings. Construction starts in late 2024.
Interstate 4 (I-4) from U.S. 27 to Champions Gate: This project will reconstruct I-4 to accommodate three general use lanes, auxiliary lanes, and two special use lanes in the eastbound and westbound directions from west of U.S. 27 to west of County Road (C.R.) 532 / Champions Gate. Construction starts in Fall 2026.
“These projects will be transformational for Central Florida residents and visitors who rely on Interstate 4 every day,” said FDOT District Five Secretary John Tyler. “In fast-growing Osceola County, rebuilding the interstate and adding I-4 Express lanes will substantially improve safety and travel time in one of the most congested segments of I-4.”
"Through the Moving Florida Forward initiative, we embark on a historic journey, where FDOT's projects on I-4 from U.S. 27 to Champions Gate and the I-4 at S.R. 33 Interchange promise to transform not just our transportation industry, but the very quality of life for Floridians and visitors alike. This legislation and funding represent a resounding victory for our state's future,” said L.K. Nandam, FDOT District One Secretary.
With construction soon beginning on projects across the state, motorists are encouraged to always drive with caution and slowdown in and around work zones. Let’s get everyone, including our workers, home safely.
For more information on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, including additional project details, please visit https://www.fdot.gov/movingfloridaforward/.
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The Florida Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity and preserves the quality of the state’s environment and communities. The department is committed to building a transportation system that not only fits the current needs of Florida’s residents and visitors but also enhances mobility throughout the state to accommodate its consistent and rapid growth. The unique nature of the Sunshine State and its year-round warm climate provides numerous opportunities to achieve the department’s mission through multiple transportation modes including highways/streets, air, rail, sea, spaceports, transit, and the ever-expanding deployment of bicycle & pedestrian facilities.