I-4 EXPRESS

When the I-4 Express lanes first opened five months ago, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) started paying local law enforcement to stand guard at all direct-connect off-ramps.

Dozens of drivers who spoke with News 6 said they have not tried out the new I-4 toll lanes for different reasons - too complicated, too scary, or just unnecessary during off-peak hours. But the drivers who have tried them love them.

There are wrong-way warning signs and pavement markings on the direct-connect exit ramps, but nothing in the actual Express toll lanes.

Around 16,700 drivers have used I-4 Express lanes since the introduction of tolling fees in early March, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — State transportation leaders said drivers are already seeing the benefits of the new Interstate-4 express lanes. Even drivers who aren’t using those lanes are dealing with less congestion. READ: I-4 express lanes: What you need to knowExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 19 I-4 express lanesREAD: Watch your speed: Troopers ready to catch speeders, hand out tickets when I-4 Express opensThe Florida Department of Transportation said since the start of introductory tolling on the lanes, they’ve seen an average of 16,700 vehicles traveling through each segment per day. Right now, FDOT is still rolling out the express lanes, which is charging 50 cents per tolling segment. READ: What you need to know about new express lanes coming to I-4Channel 9 anchor Greg Warmoth spoke to former U.S. Rep. John Mica about the new lanes.

Drivers said for the most part everyone followed the marked exit and entrance signs and traffic flowed smoothly.

Trooper Steve says the purpose of these lanes is to provide drivers with an option so they can make the choice if they don’t want to sit with normal traffic.

A driver speeding at 101 mph in the new Express lanes on Interstate 4 was one of 77 people issued speeding tickets in the first weekend toll lanes were open, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Just because access to the new I-4 Express lanes is currently free, doesn’t mean it’s not going to cost you if you’re speeding. WATCH: I-4 express lanes open hours early, giving drivers a free and early look at the new fast lanesFlorida Highway Patrol troopers said they ticketed 21 speeding drivers Saturday as the I-4 Express lanes were opened to the public. Two drivers were ticketed going 99 mph in a 60 mph zone, troopers said. READ: I-4 express lanes: What you need to knowThe Florida Department of Transportation said access to the lanes will be free for the first five days. WATCH: Watch your speed: Troopers ready to catch speeders, hand out tickets when I-4 Express opensTroopers will continue to have increased enforcement to ticket speeders throughout the weekend.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The new express lanes on Interstate 4 officially opened on Saturday morning, and over the next five days, drivers will have the chance to ride the fast lane for free. After seven years of congestion and construction the I-4 express lanes are now open to drivers. Read: I-4 Express: New express lanes officially openA heavy foot could mean a hefty ticket. FDOT warns that just because you don’t see them in your lane, doesn’t mean they won’t catch up with you. Photos: I-4 Express officially opens“We don’t want people to look over in the mainline, see a trooper there and think that they can’t be stopped,” said FHP’s Lt. Kim Montes.

The day Central Florida drivers have waited years for is here. I-4 Express officially opened Saturday morning.

The Orlando Taco Festival is happening this weekend. The taco festival will feature over 75 varieties of tacos for just $3 each. READ: I-4 Express: New express lanes officially openGeneral admission starts at $14.99. For tickets to the event, click here. To learn more about the festival, click here.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Are you looking for a summer job? The Volusia County Beach Safety is hosting lifeguard tryouts on Saturday. There is a $500 incentive for lifeguards if they meet criteria specifying number of weekend work days over their first summer, beach safety officials said. Those who wish to participate in the selection process must attend one of the tryouts as well as Volusia County Beach Safety’s lifeguard recruit class (mandatory 48-hour ocean rescue training). Participants must attend a 40-hour first responder class and CPR course or provide proof of equivalence, according to beach safety officials.

ORLANDO, Fla. — You will be able to drive on the new I-4 express lanes for the very first time on Saturday. READ: I-4 express lanes: What you need to know ahead of this weekendTraveling the entire length of I-4 Express will cost $3.50 eastbound and $3.00 westbound during the introductory period. Pricing will not be a fixed rate and will be based on the number of vehicles using I-4 Express. READ: Watch your speed: Troopers ready to catch speeders, hand out tickets when I-4 Express opensFlorida Department of Transportation said vehicles with two axles are allowed on the express lanes. READ: I-4 Express: Stickers along lanes display critical information in case of emergency situationsWhile the express lanes open Saturday, the true test will be on Monday when drivers hit the road for the weekday morning rush hour.

EATONVILLE, Fla. — Orange County’s growing elderly population now has a new option for medical care. READ: 9 things to do this weekend: I-4 Express to open, Orlando Taco Festival & moreOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings was at the opening Friday morning of a new dedicated senior medical center. Photos: Orange County opens new dedicated senior medical center in EatonvilleExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Orange County opens new dedicated senior medical center in EatonvilleDemings said this meets the county’s demand for medical services, as the area nears a population of 1.5 million people. READ: CDC announces that majority will be able to remove masks indoorsOne 92-year-old patient told Channel 9 what stands out at the facility. READ: Immigration services center honored by city of ApopkaThe medical center treats people under Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

LONGWOOD, Fla. — A woman died after a vehicle struck her along State Road 434 Thursday night, Longwood police said. Officers responded to the crash near Harbour Isle Way shortly before 8:30 p.m.READ: Watch your speed: Troopers ready to catch speeders, hand out tickets when I-4 Express opensInvestigators determined that the woman was trying to walk across SR 434 when a motorist traveling westbound hit her. Longwood police said first responders worked to save the pedestrian, but she died at the crash site. The driver involved in the crash stayed on scene and is cooperating with the investigation, according to police. READ: Russia attacks Ukraine: Gunfire reported near Kyiv government quarter (live updates)Officers shut down a stretch of SR 434 for over two hours, but reopened the road around 10:45 p.m.Investigators did not release the names of those involved in Thursday’s crash.

ORLANDO, Fla. — I-4 Express will be free of charge for the first five days that they’re open, the Florida Department of Transportation announced Thursday. FDOT officials said in a statement that they hope the first few free days will allow drivers an opportunity to take free trips and determine if I-4 Express makes sense for their commute or travel plans. READ: I-4 express lanes: What you need to know ahead of this weekendStarting Thursday, March 3, an introductory rate will be set at 50 cents per tolling segment. Following the introductory rate, toll pricing will be adjusted based on traffic volumes on I-4 Express to manage congestion. Officials said pricing will not be fixed and will vary based on the number of vehicles using I-4 Express.

I-4 Express was constructed as part of the I-4 Ultimate project, a 21-mile reconstruction of I-4. I-4 Express LanesWho can use the express lanes? There are direct connect points along the I-4 corridor where you can enter I-4 Express directly from local roads. I-4 express lanesPlanning your tripThe express lanes are intended for longer trips along I-4. If your vehicle breaks down along the I-4 express lanes, you should move to the right shoulder and stay in your car.

All entrances and exits to the I-4 Express tolling lanes are now marked.

FDOT says I-4 Express will open with an introductory rate of 50 cents per tolling segment. During the introductory period, traveling the length of I-4 express will cost $3.50 eastbound and $3.00 westbound. They include reversible lanes, high-occupancy lanes, and express lanes. FDOT is advising drivers who plan to use the express lanes to plan their trip carefully and allow for extra time for congestion. READ: Confusion, misinformation abound over new trucker training rulesTo access an interactive map of the express lanes, click here.