ORLANDO, Fla. — Although the Interstate 4 express lanes are now complete, the Florida Department of Transportation said there is more work to be done “beyond the Ultimate.”
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The express lanes are finally welcoming drivers, a signature stage of the entire I-4 Ultimate project.
Wednesday is the last day to use the express lanes for free.
Starting Thursday, each segment will cost 50 cents, with the entire stretch costing $3.50 eastbound and $3 westbound.
So with the centerpiece open, is the project done?
READ: I-4 express lanes: What you need to know
FDOT said it still has what it’s calling “punch list” items, like painting, lighting, paving and landscaping. Either way, the construction cones are sticking around.
Crews have already reconstructed the E.E. Williamson Road bridge over I-4.
Work has begun on a diverging diamond interchange at Champions Gate.
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FDOT has also been holding meetings about what it has planned. Those projects include the I-4 and Sand Lake Road interchange and another diverging interchange at I-4 and Daryl Carter Parkway.
Another toll lane is coming to the Disney stretch.
“That is going to transition from I-4 Ultimate limits down to a single lane only on the westbound side and help give some travel options for folks in the area,” a spokesperson said.
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Transportation leaders have dubbed it “the tube.” It will run from the Kirkman Road express lane through State Road 536 or Epcot Center Drive.
“This is all in an effort to make sure our infrastructure is prepared for additional traffic in the growing area,” a transportation leader said.
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