Those driving from Orlando to Tampa will eventually have an extra lane at the notoriously difficult Tampa end that could hasten their commute.
The Florida Department of Transportation plans to add one express lane in each direction on a stretch of Interstate 4 in Hillsborough County from the intersection with Interstate 75 to County Line Road. Construction is expected to start on the new lanes in 2028.
Traffic often jams in that 17-mile stretch, as local traffic mixes with cars commuting to and from Lakeland and Orlando.
“These express lanes will bring significant congestion relief to the traveling public by separating long-distance traffic from local commuter traffic, providing additional reliable travel options and enhancing the quality of life for residents traveling in the area‚” a release from the Governor’s Office said.
The express lanes will likely have fewer exits compared to the local lanes. They may also be tolled, as is the plan for I-275 express lanes along the Howard Frankland Bridge that are scheduled to open in spring 2026.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has focused on relieving congestion along the I-4 corridor during his tenure.
In April, DeSantis announced two more lanes would open eight months early along I-4 at a particularly clogged stretch from east of U.S. 27 in Polk County to World Drive near Disney Springs.
Transit advocates have long questioned the wisdom of adding more lanes to crowded interstates.
They cite the concept of “induced demand.” A 2019 study suggested wider highways encourage more people to travel on the interstate as opposed to local roads, resulting in similar or greater levels of congestion over time. Instead, advocates have pushed for investment in public transit that could move cars off the road.
Justin Hall, secretary for District 7 of the state transportation department, said the interstates aren’t meeting current demand. Major thoroughfares like I-4 are already so congested that cars are crowding neighborhood streets.
The development of I-4 express lanes could help bring Brightline, a privately-owned commuter rail service, to Tampa faster.
Johnny Wong, executive director of Hillsborough’s transportation planning organization, previously said the construction of rail tracks from Orlando to Tampa will likely coincide with the expansion of I-4 that is now in the works.
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