Florida lawmakers approved $1.7B to accelerate construction of two express lanes on I-4 in Osceola and Polk counties. The funding is part of the Moving Florida Forward Initiative to enhance connectivity and ease congestion in Central Florida. Additional projects are also planned to improve regional transportation networks.
Moving I4 Forward photo
The State of Florida is taking additional steps to speed up congestion relief along the busy Interstate 4 tourist corridor around the Orlando area.
The State of Florida is taking additional steps to speed up congestion relief along the busy Interstate 4 tourist corridor around the Orlando area.
In early June 2025, Florida lawmakers voted to expedite the construction of two express lanes on the freeway's busiest stretch in Osceola and Polk counties as well as a separate road project that will better connect I-4 to the rest of Osceola County's transportation network.
The Orlando Sentinel reported June 10, 2025, that the state's joint Legislative Budget Commission (LBC) in Tallahassee 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 [the Florida Department of Transportation] is able to move as swiftly as possible with their delivery," Molly Best, a spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis's office, said in an email to the Sentinel.
The approval allows FDOT to accelerate work on the three projects, which were not expected to begin construction until Fiscal Year 2026, and use the money earlier than anticipated, the transportation agency's Matthew Richardson told the Orlando newspaper.
The Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative aims to bring congestion relief across the state through a series of projects. Roughly $2.5 billion from the program will overhaul I-4 and its pace is moving quickly, according to the Sentinel.
"The completion of the Moving I-4 Forward's projects will provide a regional benefit to Central Florida by creating a continuous express lane system from Seminole County through downtown Orlando in Orange County all the way to U.S. Highway 27 in Polk County," Richardson said.
The road projects include two express lanes in each direction on a 2.6-mi. stretch from east of World Drive to east of U.S. 192 and a 3.1-mi. stretch from east of County Road 532 to west of World Drive.
The third project involves the construction of a new 3.5-mi. road called the Poinciana Connector, designed to link Florida Highway 429 to the southern portion of Osceola Polk Line Road and connect to I-4.
In addition, the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) is planning another highway project to link with 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.
In answer to an email from the Sentinel, CFX spokesperson Brian Hutchings wrote to say that construction on improvements to surrounding county roads to facilitate this project are scheduled to begin early in 2026.
"This effort aims to increase capacity and enhance connectivity between the future extension of Poinciana Parkway and I-4," he 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, which has resulted in much more road 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 to the Sentinel.
Various improvements along a 14 mi. stretch of I-4, including these three projects, were already slated to be completed in 10 years — faster than the original estimate of 25 years — and with the new $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.
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