I-4 construction in Orlando

[pianocello]

What's the latest update on the Express Lane construction in that area? Last I heard from this thread there was an interim proposal for the "tube"  express lane that would be a single lane WB–until additional funding for more parts of the full project comes into play.

Looks like that's still the case. https://i4beyond.com/project-designs/#i-4-at-apopka-vineland-road-s-r-535-interchange

Will these be connected with the thru lanes on Beachline?

Eventually, according to the conceptual plans from 5 years ago. I'm not sure how the single-lane WB express lane interacts with that.

Does Brightline Rail construction affect this long-term project?

Probably. I don't know how far Brightline is with their design in that area, but FDOT's not going to hold up their construction based the possibility of the rail corridor. There's going to be talks and negotiations between the two parties, or else Brightline is going to have to get creative or find a different corridor to build on.

I did some roadway design work on the SR 417 reconstruction southwest of the airport a few years ago, and a similar possibility occurred there with Brightline. Basically, we thought we may have to change some things around to account for the railroad, but they weren't far enough along in their corridor planning so CFX decided it best to just continue with the original design, which is being constructed now. If they need to go back and move some roads around to make room for a rail line or bridge piers, that would be a discussion for the future.

[roadman65]

I guess they scrapped the echelon intersection at Hotel Plaza Blvd? Or at least for now.

https://i4beyond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/5445-BTU-SR535-Design-Display-Board-2-20230201.pdf
I'm laughing at the map showing US 46 in Florida.

[Plutonic Panda]

More toll lanes opening on April 28th near Disney World:

https://www.globalhighways.com/news/25-billion-cut-journey-times-drivers-florida

[NJRoadfan]

Umm..... how? I was there at the end of February. They were just starting to drive pilings for the bridges over Championsgate Blvd (Exit 58). I'm guessing they just used the shoulders as an extra lane for the timing being.

[NE2]

More toll lanes opening on April 28th near Disney World:

https://www.globalhighways.com/news/25-billion-cut-journey-times-drivers-florida

Not toll lanes, just an extra main lane in the Champions Gate area.
https://movingi4forward.com/accelerated-start/

[froggie]

The official project website says the week of April 28th.  Not necessarily on the 28th itself.  Worth noting that the segment opening is south of WDW...from World Drive southwest to US 17 and is just a 4th lane in each direction...not the actual toll lanes.  Those come in a later project phase.

[Henry]

The official project website says the week of April 28th.  Not necessarily on the 28th itself.  Worth noting that the segment opening is south of WDW...from World Drive southwest to US 17 and is just a 4th lane in each direction...not the actual toll lanes.  Those come in a later project phase.

So basically, they'll extend I-4 Express further west (or south)? Universal Studios is not too far away (about 10 miles), so I imagine that's exactly what they'll do.

[NE2]

The official project website says the week of April 28th.  Not necessarily on the 28th itself.  Worth noting that the segment opening is south of WDW...from World Drive southwest to US 17 and is just a 4th lane in each direction...not the actual toll lanes.  Those come in a later project phase.

So basically, they'll extend I-4 Express further west (or south)? Universal Studios is not too far away (about 10 miles), so I imagine that's exactly what they'll do.

Huh? What does Universal have to do with anything?

[ElishaGOtis]

The official project website says the week of April 28th.  Not necessarily on the 28th itself.  Worth noting that the segment opening is south of WDW...from World Drive southwest to US 17 and is just a 4th lane in each direction...not the actual toll lanes.  Those come in a later project phase.

So basically, they'll extend I-4 Express further west (or south)? Universal Studios is not too far away (about 10 miles), so I imagine that's exactly what they'll do.

Huh? What does Universal have to do with anything?

The existing south end of the express lanes.

The 4th lane is primarily for MOT related to the express lane project. While it won't do much in terms of reducing congestion now, it will be better than nothing, especially once construction goes into full swing.

There are two separate projects underway here. One from WDW south to US-27 (part of Moving FL forward), and another between UOR and WDW. In addition to the 4th lane in the southern project, the northern project will add a single express lane SB as a part of its MOT (I think... don't quote me lol). The eventual goal is to have two express lanes in both directions between US-27 and the existing ultimate express lanes.

[roadman65]

The official project website says the week of April 28th.  Not necessarily on the 28th itself.  Worth noting that the segment opening is south of WDW...from World Drive southwest to US 17 and is just a 4th lane in each direction...not the actual toll lanes.  Those come in a later project phase.

So basically, they'll extend I-4 Express further west (or south)? Universal Studios is not too far away (about 10 miles), so I imagine that's exactly what they'll do.

Huh? What does Universal have to do with anything?

The existing south end of the express lanes.

The 4th lane is primarily for MOT related to the express lane project. While it won't do much in terms of reducing congestion now, it will be better than nothing, especially once construction goes into full swing.

There are two separate projects underway here. One from WDW south to US-27 (part of Moving FL forward), and another between UOR and WDW. In addition to the 4th lane in the southern project, the northern project will add a single express lane SB as a part of its MOT (I think... don't quote me lol). The eventual goal is to have two express lanes in both directions between US-27 and the existing ultimate express lanes.

I believe the current project is more than a band aid while the permanent project comes along.  In some spots they have began bridge widening for the Tolled express lanes that will open in the future, however the single lane is not temporary that is almost ready as that don't need much for expansion as adding a whole new roadway.



The lanes now proposed will remain even after the toll lanes are completed.  A diagram illustration shows on state websites.