December 11, 2017

Steve Olson, 386-943-5479
Steve.Olson@dot.state.fl.us

UPDATE: Cooler Overnight Temperatures Delay Opening of WB I-4 Exit Ramp to Michigan Street

ORLANDO - Due to cooler temperatures, the traffic shift of the westbound Interstate 4 (I-4) exit ramp to Michigan Street has been delayed until the morning of Thursday, December 14.

In order for I-4 Ultimate crews to finish the last section of paving for the exit ramp and to stripe the ramp, temperatures must be at least 45 degrees and rising. If it is too cold, the asphalt will become brittle and not bond properly. Cold weather will also cause paint for lane markings to gum up and not dry correctly.

While the weather has been warmer during the day in metro Orlando, overnight temperatures are dipping close to the 45-degree mark. Paving and striping work for this ramp shift requires lane closures on I-4. Lane closures on I-4 occur overnight so it does not interfere with daytime traffic.

When the new westbound I-4 exit to Michigan Street (Exit 81A) opens the morning of December 14, motorists will have to make their decisions to exit one mile sooner.

Traffic will exit westbound I-4 via a new lengthened ramp on the right. The ramp is connected to the existing westbound I-4 entrance ramp from Gore Street and State Road (S.R.) 408. Motorists seeking to enter westbound I-4 should prepare to merge with traffic to avoid continuing to the ramp to Michigan Street. The westbound I-4 entrance ramp from Kaley Avenue is unaffected by this ramp shift.

A handout detailing the shift and new traffic movement is available online to view or download at: http://fdot.tips/WBI4exit81A

Modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving through the work zone.

The I-4 Ultimate project is rebuilding 21 miles of Interstate 4 (I-4) from west of Kirkman Road in Orange County to east of State Road 434 in Seminole County. The work includes adding two new dynamic tolled Express Lanes in each direction, replacing more than 140 bridges, reconfiguring 15 major interchanges and reconstructing the entire roadway.

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