The first ramp of the new Interstate 4 and Florida 408 Toll interchange opened this morning, carrying drivers from the eastbound toll road to the northbound freeway. A $120 million project is underway to replace some of the original movements between the East-West Tollway and Interstate 4. Included in this initial project is a new flyover to carry westbound Florida 408 to eastbound Interstate 4, the directional loop ramp that opened today, and a new Anderson Road overpass and connecting ramps. Work on these projects will be completed between Spring and Fall of 2008.
Two new diagrammatic overheads partition drivers bound for Interstate 4 into separate ramps from eastbound Florida 408 Toll.
Previously all traffic departed in unison via a trumpet interchange onto a connecting roadway before choosing east or west Interstate 4 at a second trumpet. The configuration is typical for older toll roads, where a toll plaza would reside between the two trumpet interchanges.
Traffic destined for Interstate 4 east now departs via the new Exit 10B off-ramp.
Continuing along the new Exit 10B from Florida 408 Toll eastbound.
Signs advise a 25 mph speed limit on the tight loop ramp that ultimately curves drivers from an easterly direction to a northerly one. Construction is also underway nearby on a new northbound off-ramp from Interstate 4 east to downtown.
Merging onto Interstate 4 east (north) ahead of the new Exit 10B overpass just traveled.
Additional phases of the project will replace more of the trumpet to trumpet interchange movements that continue to link Interstate 4 and Florida 408 Toll with high-speed ramps. Construction however will be an ongoing process at the interchange for years to come. See Trans4mation.org http://www.trans4mation.org for details on the overall project.
In related news, the Gore Street off-ramp of Interstate 4 westbound closed permamently February 10, 2008 as part of the overall Interstate 4 reconstruction project.
Source:
“New S.R. 408, I-4 ramp will open Tuesday.” Orlando Sentinel, February 11, 2008.
This is good news. I remember WB 408 to WB I-4 was a very long connection. I can’t wait to see the final project. It’s something when a single ramp can dramatically reduce the commute time for thousands of people per day.
I agree with Steven, this is a good news. Now I hope the planned interchange between FL-417 and FL-91 aka FL Turnpike will be built asap. And let’s not forget some others well need connections in Chicagoland (I-57 with I-294) and Philly (I-95 with I-276/PA Tpk)
whoa thats a big ass condo tower
The interchange between Florida’s Turnpike and Florida 417 Toll is postponed indefinitely as no funding is expected to become available anytime soon…