The Florida Department of Transportation is in the final stages of construction on the new I-4 Express lanes as part of its ongoing I-4 Ultimate overhaul.
FDOT is currently working with emergency response personnel on extensive training on how to best use and access the new routes along the 21-mile corridor and they are finalizing emergency procedures for the new lanes, which are ready for traffic.
FDOT is conducting a series of mock exercises of what first responders may encounter while responding to emergencies on the new express lanes and once they are ready, the department will be setting an opening date for public use.
First responders will have access to the express lanes via special emergency access gates that are placed along the fencing every two miles to aid in rapid response that can be opened remotely in case of emergencies or manually on site.
The new interstate lanes are expected to open in early 2022.
The express lanes, like on SR 528, promise to ease congestion during commuter hours – yeah! FYI – I found out that all toll passes will work on them – E-PASS as well as SunPass.