Drivers who commute on I-4 through Seminole and Volusia counties could eventually see some relief.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced an $85 million INFRA grant Thursday for a project that would add one lane in both directions along I-4 between State Road 434 and State Road 472.
The roughly 20-mile stretch is known for heavy backups during peak commute times.
“Bumper to bumper, we’re going like ten, 12, 25 miles per hour,” Kevin Little, who has lived in Volusia County for decades, said. “It’s always congested, especially at five o’clock.”
Mary DiDonato said her daily commute has grown significantly over the last several years.
“It used to take me 35 minutes from DeBary to downtown Orlando, and now it takes me 45 minutes to an hour, sometimes an hour and 15 minutes, depending on whether we have an accident or not,” she said.
The project also includes the St. Johns River bridge, though details on whether it will be widened or receive an additional lane were not immediately clear.
The announcement this week from the federal government to improve Central Florida’s roadways comes amid a $426 million investment across 12 states.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, this project is intended to freight capacity and relieve bottleneck congestion.
“America’s infrastructure is rated a C,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement. “Instead of wasting federal dollars on trains to nowhere, President Trump is investing in desperately-needed infrastructure upgrades that will enhance the way people and projects move. From upgrading decades-old freight infrastructure to building new highways, this Administration is committed to making our supply chains resilient.”
Little said there is no quick fix to anything related to I-4, and it is too early to say what impact the project will ultimately have.
“It might be alright, we’ll see,” he said. “Who knows? But a lot of people keep moving to Florida so the traffic is still going to be congested, backed up.”
A timeline for when the project would begin and when drivers might see changes has not yet been announced.
News 6 asked those questions of leaders with the Florida Department of Transportation on Thursday, and will provide updates once we have the answers.