ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 The Florida Department of Transportation is set to open a new ramp system along I-4 at Sand Lake Road this weekend. <\/p>\n
This marks a major overhaul to one of Central Florida\u2019s busiest interchanges, aiming to make driving smoother for commuters.<\/p>\n
The new ramp system is expected to help reduce traffic bottlenecks in an area known to drivers heading to and from the attractions area.<\/p>\n
The interchange handles more than 100,000 vehicles every day, indicating a significant need for improved traffic flow and safety. <\/p>\n
Brittney Jones, a Florida Department of Transportation official, highlighted the importance of these improvements. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere are more than 100,000 vehicles that drive through this interchange every day and so we want to make this interchange as efficient and safe as we can,\u201d Jones said.<\/p>\n
The new system will provide a direct connection to Turkey Lake Road for drivers coming from westbound I-four and westbound Sand Lake Road. <\/p>\n
Florida Department of Transportation officials state this will cut down on weaving and last-minute lane changes.<\/p>\n
The biggest benefit of the new ramp system is giving drivers the option to bypass Sand Lake Road altogether when exiting I-four. <\/p>\n
This is expected to reduce existing backups at the interchange.<\/p>\n
To complete the new ramp system, crews will shut down the I-4 westbound ramp to Sand Lake Road overnight. <\/p>\n
This closure will occur from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for the next few days until the ramp opens Saturday morning.<\/p>\n
The new ramp system is part of a much larger transformation project for the interchange. <\/p>\n
Future plans include bringing a complete diverging diamond to the interchange, which will eliminate left turns for drivers across oncoming traffic.<\/p>\n
Additionally, crews are building a single express lane on I-4 westbound. <\/p>\n
This express lane will stretch from west of the Beachline to west of Central Florida Parkway.<\/p>\n
The new ramp system along I-4 at Sand Lake Road is scheduled to open Saturday morning. <\/p>\n
The ongoing project will continue to bring additional changes, including a diverging diamond interchange and a new express lane.<\/p>\n
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