3 days ago
Florida lawmakers fund another $1.7 billion in I-4 construction projects
Florida is taking additional steps to speed up congestion relief along the I-4 tourist corridor.
Last week lawmakers voted to expedite the construction of two express lanes on I-4's busiest stretch in Osceola and Polk Counties and a separate road project that will better connect I-4 to the rest of Osceola County's transportation network.
The joint legislative budget commission approved $1.7 billion for the three road projects.
'This week's LBC vote allows funds to move into the current Fiscal Year to ensure FDOT is able to move as swiftly as possible with their delivery,' said Molly Best, a spokesperson for the Governor's office, in an email.
The road projects include two express lanes in each direction on a 2.6-mile stretch from east of World Drive to east of U.S. 192 and a 3.1-mile stretch from east of County Road 532 to west of World Drive. The third project is construction of a new 3.5-mile road called the Poinciana Connector. That road will link State Road 429 to the southern portion of Osceola Polk Line Road and connect to I-4.
The Central Florida Expressway Authority is planning another road project to connect to the Poinciana Connector, eventually creating a southern highway loop that will ease access throughout Osceola County to I-4. That will involve extending Poinciana Parkway and connecting it to County Road 532.
Construction on improvements to surrounding county roads to facilitate this project are scheduled to begin in early 2026, said CFX spokesperson Brian Hutchings in an email.
'This effort aims to increase capacity and enhance connectivity between the future extension of Poinciana Parkway and I-4,' Hutchings said. 'Through close coordination with regional partners, we are delivering a comprehensive transportation solution designed to improve mobility, enhance regional connectivity, and provide lasting traffic relief for our growing community.'
Poinciana, an unincorporated part of Osceola County that borders Polk County, has ballooned in population in recent years, and so has traffic.
'We appreciate the continued support of the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis in delivering landmark investments through the Florida Department of Transportation's Moving Florida Forward initiative, bringing real congestion relief to some of Osceola County's most vital transportation corridors,' Osceola County spokesperson Tyler Winik said in an email.
The Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative aims to bring congestion relief across the state through a series of projects. Roughly $2.5 billion of the initiative will overhaul I-4 and it's moving quickly.
Various improvements along a 14-mile stretch of I-4, including these three projects, were already slated to be completed in ten years —faster than the original estimate of 25 years — and with this $1.7 billion boost key portions should be delivered in less time.
The funding comes on the heels of April's announcement that two new lanes on a six-mile stretch of I-4 were added eight months ahead of schedule.
FDOT did not respond to request for comment on the latest development.
