ORLANDO, Fla. – A new way to get on I-4 eastbound is set to open for your ride Thursday.
“In downtown Orlando, we're getting ready to open a new eastbound I-4 on-ramp from state road 50,"
David Parks, public information officer, I-4 Ultimate, said.
Access to the interstate from both directions of Colonial Drive is about to get a lot easier.
“On Wednesday, it was only accessible for eastbound Colonial drivers. They stay in the right lane, they loop around this loop and get on get on eastbound I-4 that way," Parks said.
As long as the weather cooperates overnight tonight, that is getting ready to change.
“We're getting ready to close this ramp. We're going to replace it with a ramp from northbound Garland Avenue," Parks said.
The new route will be well marked and should significantly improve traffic flow and highway access.
“So, if you're on Colonial Drive, you can still head east as you had before, pass underneath I-4, be in the left-hand lane, wait for the traffic signal. You'll cross over and get on northbound Garland, stay in the left-hand lane and get on eastbound I-4," Parks said.
It's a significant step for the Big Drive.Starting Thursday, drivers around downtown traveling eastbound and westbound will be able to access I-4 East from downtown. Until now, westbound has not had easy access to I-4 east.
Officials said this is a permanent ramp location. Access from Ivanhoe will remain in place, but starting tomorrow for rush hour, there will be a second option to access the interstate.