OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — It has now been six months since an extra lane was added to Interstate 4 in the ChampionsGate area.

What You Need To Know

Six months after opening, the congestion relief lanes are reducing commute times on I-4 in ChampionsGate

The single extra lane in each direction opened in April between U.S. 27 and World Drive

FDOT states the one additional lane in both directions of I-4 has cut down travel times by up to 30 minutes

FDOT is currently working to add more lanes, I-4 Express between U.S.-27 and World Center Drive

It was at the end of April when FDOT opened up the extra lane, called a congestion relief lane, in each direction of I-4 from U.S.-27 in Polk County to World Drive in Osceola County.

That single lane in each direction has made a world of difference for drivers, like Matt Kenzig.

“It’s definitely a 180 from the time frames that I experience,” he said.

Kenzig drives from his home in Auburndale in Polk County to his job at Orlando International Airport.

Spectrum News 13 drove with Kenzig nearly a year ago, before the lane was added and before there was congestion relief.

A 50-minute drive would sometimes take double the time to get through the backups.

Now, just with the single extra lane, Kenzig shaves off a half hour each way most days.

“It’s from stop and go to flowing, it’s legit flying,” he said . “The speed limit is 65 mph, I can actually go 65.”

The drive times and sensors show improving commute times.

FDOT has noticed the changes for drivers as well.

 “Adding this one additional lane in both directions has essentially cut down their travel times up to 30 minutes,” said FDOT spokesman Matthew Richardson.

But as Central Florida grows, so too will the traffic.

That’s why FDOT is adding even more lanes to I-4, including two tolled express lanes in each direction from U.S. 27 to World Center Drive near Disney World.

Construction will take years, but with those congestion relief lanes already opened, FDOT hopes it will ease the pain driving through the work zone.

“I just want a stress-free drive getting there when you’re supposed to get there. Not stop and go traffic. These extra lanes will be a big help to make that happen,” said Kenzig.

Work is also currently underway to add a single I-4 express lane westbound from Universal to Disney.

That should open up in 2027.