Summary:
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will implement overnight closures on westbound I-4 between Kirkman Road and State Road 528 from October 19-23 for critical bridge painting operations and traffic pattern realignment. These strategic nighttime closures (10 p.m.-6 a.m.) aim to minimize commuter disruption while addressing essential infrastructure maintenance along this high-traffic Orlando corridor. Motorists must navigate specific detours and temporary ramp closures during this five-night maintenance window, with exceptions for select access points like the Kirkman Road exit.
What This Means for You:
- Plan alternate routes via southbound Kirkman Road to Sand Lake Road if traveling westbound I-4 toward SR 528 between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Allow 15-20 minutes extra travel time during closure windows and enable real-time traffic alerts through FDOT apps
- Note that construction schedules remain weather-contingent – verify closure status before departing via FL511 traffic resources
- Anticipate potential ripple effects on parallel routes like Sand Lake Road and Turkey Lake Road from diverted traffic
Original Post:
FDOT will close westbound I-4 between Kirkman Road and S.R. 528 overnight from October 19 to 23 for bridge painting and traffic shifts.
Commuters should expect overnight closures of all westbound I-4 lanes and ramps from Kirkman Road to west of S.R. 528 each night from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., except the westbound I-4 exit ramp to Kirkman Road and the entrance ramp from westbound S.R. 528.
During closures, the westbound I-4 exit to Kirkman Road and the entrance from westbound S.R. 528 stay open.
FDOT advises motorists to follow all posted detour signs and notes that construction schedules may change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Drivers on west I-4 heading to S.R. 528 should exit early at Exit 75B to southbound Kirkman Road, then go to Sand Lake Road and John Young Parkway to reach S.R. 528.
Drivers east on Sand Lake Road heading to west I-4 turn right onto southbound Turkey Lake Road, go to Central Florida Parkway, turn left onto eastbound Central Florida Parkway, and take the first right onto the westbound I-4 entrance.
Extra Information:
- FDOT Central Florida Traffic Advisories – Official real-time closure updates and construction schedules
- I-4 Ultimate Project Map – Interactive map showing current work zones and future phases
- WFTV Orlando Traffic Cams – Live views of Kirkman Road and I-4 interchange
People Also Ask About:
- Will daytime I-4 traffic be affected? Normal daytime lanes will remain open outside 10pm-6am closure windows.
- Why is bridge painting needed? Protective coatings prevent structural corrosion from Florida’s humidity and prevent concrete degradation.
- Can I still access Universal Studios during closures? Yes – use Universal Boulevard via Kirkman Road exit (remains open).
- When will I-4 Ultimate Project finish? Final completion expected late 2024 with current overnight work accelerating timelines.
Expert Opinion:
“These targeted overnight closures represent FDOT’s operational balancing act between necessary infrastructure maintenance and commuter convenience,” notes transportation engineer Dr. Alicia Torres. “The strategic sequencing of bridge preservation with traffic shift implementation demonstrates improved construction coordination compared to previous Orlando highway projects.”
Key Terms:
- Westbound I-4 overnight closure Orlando
- FDOT bridge maintenance Kirkman Road
- I-4 Ultimate Project traffic shifts
- SR 528 connector detour routes
- Orlando highway bridge painting schedule
- Central Florida Parkway alternate routes
- Florida DOT construction weather contingency
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