Florida is taking additional steps to accelerate crowd relief along the I-4 tourist corridor.
Lawmakers recently voted to promote the construction of two Express lanes in Osceola and Polk counties, the busiest stretches of the I-4.
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee has approved $1.7 billion for three road projects.
“This week’s LBC vote will allow funds to move into the current fiscal year, allowing FDOT to move as quickly as possible with delivery.”
The approval would allow the Florida Department of Transport to accelerate work on the three projects and make use of the money faster than expected as it was not expected to begin construction until fiscal 2026, spokesman Matthew Richardson said in an email Tuesday morning.
“Completing the Mobile I-4 Forward project will bring local benefits to Central Florida by creating an ongoing Express Lane system from Seminole County to Downtown Orlando, and Polk County in Polk County,” Richardson said.
The road project includes two express lanes in each direction on a 2.6-mile stretch from east of World Drive to 192 US East, with two express lanes in each direction and a 3.1-mile stretch from east of County Road 532 west of World Drive. The third project is the construction of a new 3.5-mile road called Poinkiana Connector. That road links State Road 429 to the south of Osceola Polk Line Road and connects to I-4.
The Central Florida Highways Agency is planning another road project to connect to the Poinkiana connector, creating a southern highway loop that will ultimately facilitate access to I-4 across Osceola County. That includes expanding the Poinkiana Parkway and connecting it to County Road 532.
CFX spokesman Brian Hatchings said construction of improvements on surrounding county roads is expected to begin in early 2026 to promote the project.
“This initiative is aimed at increasing capacity and increasing connectivity between the future expansion of the Poinkiana Parkway and the I-4,” Hatchings said. “Through close coordination with local partners, we offer comprehensive transportation solutions designed to improve mobility, increase local connectivity and provide lasting traffic mitigation for growing communities.”
Poinciana, an unincorporated part of Osceola County, borders Pork County, has inflated its population in recent years, and so has so far transport.
“We would like to thank Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis for their continued support, and we will provide landmark investments through the Florida Department of Transport’s Forward Initiative, providing real congestion relief to some of Osceola County’s most important transport corridors.”
Spend your days with Hayes
Subscribe to our free Stephenly newsletter
Columnist Stephanie Hayes shares thoughts, feelings and funny business with you every Monday.
You’re all signed up!
Want more free weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.
Check out all options
The Mobile Florida Forward In Flynis initiative aims to bring statewide crowd relief through a series of projects. The approximately $2.5 billion initiative has overhauled the I-4 and is moving rapidly.
Various improvements along the 14-mile I-4, including these three projects, were already expected to be completed in 10 years, which is faster than the original 25-year estimate.
Funds follow an announcement in April that two new lanes on the six-mile I-4 stretch have been added eight months ahead of schedule.
