The I-4 Express experiment -- toll lanes down the center of I-4 -- how are they working?

FDOT announced updates to “Moving Florida Forward,” what Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed in January and later saw approved by the state Legislature as a way to ease traffic congestion in Central Florida by injecting $4 billion from the General Revenue Surplus into local infrastructure projects.

The Florida Department of Transportation confirmed to News 6 the Express lanes in the center of Interstate 4 now have wrong-way vehicle detection systems installed at every direct-connect ramp.

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.

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.

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

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