EDIT: FDOT representatives have asked that we update this post with the following information:

“Construction began February 2015. Regretably, there have been 5 worker fatalities. FDOT is demanding the contractor increase safety efforts and address its safety culture, as one death is too many. FDOT is reviewing SGL Constructors claim. The project is currently projected to be complete in 2021 and that the cost of the project remains $2.3 billion.”
– Florida department of transportation


The I-4 Ultimate project kicked off in 2015 with a promise to improve a 21-mile stretch of the interstate into something better than it was. Better, stronger, faster. They have the technology. Sounds familiar …

To date, the rebranding/rebuilding project has seen six five deaths on-site, a 271-day delay in the construction deadline of 2021, over 1,000 construction-related reports of damage to property and vehicles, and an increase of the estimated $2.4 billion price tag to an estimated $7 billion, according to Orlando Sentinel.

Don’t forget the upcoming I-4 art program either. Winter Park is still looking for its participating artist HERE, with a budget of $150,000.

Given the traffic jams and the confusing budget numbers, and shifting dates, it’s hard to remember what the project is ultimately supposed to look like when it’s finished.

So check out the above video from 2015 and meditate on that next time you miss your Maitland exit ramp.

Brendan O'Connor

Editor in Chief of Bungalower.com

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  1. Thanks for the reminder of the sizzle they sold us, but everyday we see how they’re value engineering the project at every turn. From the down-styling of the Maitland pedestrian bridge to all the fountains and lighting at the Ivanhoe bridge that will never be installed, everyday we watch them cut more corners. If they finish the project at all, I’ll be surprised. But I fully expect them to just shut down and abandon the project before it’s finished since they’re obviously struggling to build the project shown in this fantasy video. For the amount of money they’re throwing at this, they could’ve just upgraded the 408/4 and Turnpike interchanges like they’re doing, and then started to build out a system of light rail connecting downtown with the UCF and Valencia campuses via a line down the middle of Colonial Drive, and more light rail out to the airport and convention center.