ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida drivers are feeling the squeeze as traffic congestion continues despite major road projects underway.
The I-4 corridor in Orlando recently underwent a significant makeover, and the Central Florida Expressway Authority is investing millions to expand the 408 expressway. Yet, many drivers say the improvements have not solved the growing traffic problems.
One example is the on-ramp from 408 westbound to I-4, which, during morning and afternoon rush hours, is often bumper-to-bumper.
[WATCH: Expressway Authority green-lights $218M project for SR 408]
Bernice Crawford, who has driven in Central Florida for three decades, has noticed the increase in congestion on interstates, highways, and surface streets.
“I remember back in the day that there was hardly any traffic. I’m just saying the truth. And it’s just the commute. Everything’s just so much worse,” she said.
Crawford welcomes the ongoing work to add more lanes.
“Well, as long as they’re going to be making more lanes, I think it’s highly important because there’s always stop-and-go traffic. So definitely, for more lanes,” she added.
Drivers on 408 westbound trying to access either direction of I-4 are likely to face delays as well.
[WATCH: Study says Orlando is 38th most congested city in the US]
Tiffany Phillips, another Orlando resident, expressed frustration not only about being late but also about safety.
“I just hope sometimes I don’t get into a car accident,” she said.
The current strategy to improve infrastructure focuses on adding lanes, but this comes with the downside of more tolls—a growing concern among Central Florida drivers.