Drivers on Interstate 4 that take the Orange Blossom Trail exit can expect a new configuration when they hit the roads Friday morning.
The I-4 Westbound exit to Orange Blossom Trail will be shifting as the latest part of the I-4 Ultimate improvement project.
“So overnight Thursday night starting at 10 p.m. we’re going to close the ramp from westbound I-4 to OBT southbound," said David Ballard, Downtown Area Manager for SGL Constructors. "At 5 a.m. the following morning, we’re going to open a new temporary ramp that also exits from the left lane of I-4 westbound to OBT.”
In the southbound direction, the new OBT exit will come up about a quarter-mile sooner than the existing ramp.
This new ramp is temporary and will form a temporary intersection at OBT between the westbound and eastbound lanes of I-4. There will be a traffic light in place at the intersection to help motorists safely turn left to continue southbound on OBT.
And northbound, the lefthand turn lane from OBT onto the westbound I-4 on-ramp will be temporarily be closed also.
The detour in place will take traffic onto Kaley Ave to use that exit to enter I-4 west.
“So we’re asking Northbound Orange Blossom Trail drivers who want to get on Westbound I-4, to continue North on Orange Blossom Trail then head East on Kaley Avenue and enter Westbound I-4 from Kaley Avenue," said David Parks Public Information Officer for I-4 Ultimate.
About 16,000 vehicles use the OBT exit everyday. I-4 Ultimate and their partners, SGL, estimate that this configuration will be in place for approximately the next four years.