I-95/I-4 construction expected toward end of 2014

[JohnD]

From here:
http://www.news-journalonline.com/a...roject-to-improve-safety-on-I-95-interchanges

For anyone planning a trip and is expecting to drive, be aware of ongoing construction at the I-95/I-4 interchange expected to begin toward the end of 2014.

Of course construction is subject to funding approved by the Florida Legislature first. Florida's legislative session is March-April 2014, ending on the 1st Monday in May.

 

[photoflight]

...and, I4 just south (west) of that interchange has been under construction for some time - and it can be a mess. I95 around here is a disaster in general anyway, just in the past week it's been closed and/or seriously congested around Daytona 3 times due to serious accidents. I avoid it.

An alternative for those that don't mind spending a little extra time in the car in exchange for a more pleasant ride is to take some of the scenic routes through the middle of the state down to the Apopka area. Except during "rush hour" periods, SR429 is almost always deserted. Anyone heading to one of the "All Star" resorts, or Coronado Springs will be happy to find themselves almost there right after getting off the highway.

 

[disney4life2008]

...and, I4 just south (west) of that interchange has been under construction for some time - and it can be a mess. I95 around here is a disaster in general anyway, just in the past week it's been closed and/or seriously congested around Daytona 3 times due to serious accidents. I avoid it.

An alternative for those that don't mind spending a little extra time in the car in exchange for a more pleasant ride is to take some of the scenic routes through the middle of the state down to the Apopka area. Except during "rush hour" periods, SR429 is almost always deserted. Anyone heading to one of the "All Star" resorts, or Coronado Springs will be happy to find themselves almost there right after getting off the highway.

SR429 is great. Over the summer I drove into Orlando from Fort Myers almost every weekend and the exit took me right to the gates of WDW.

 

[JohnD]

SR429 is great. Over the summer I drove into Orlando from Fort Myers almost every weekend and the exit took me right to the gates of WDW.

I live in the Florida panhandle. I agree. My route is I-10, I-75, Florida Turnpike ($3.50 toll), SR-429 ($1.00 toll), directly to WDW. I avoid all the Orlando I-4 traffic.

 

[photoflight]

Eventually SR429 is going to connect up to I4...I don't think the road numbers will be the same, but they're working on connector highways that will bypass SR46 (or at least mostly bypass SR46). Eventually there will be three options to get to the south/west side of Orlando: 417 around the south side of Orlando, 429 (or whatever the connector roads will be called, then to 429) north and west of Orlando, or straight through on I4.

 

[Disnee4Me]

We are planning on coming to the World for Christmas 2014. So from Connecticut is there an alternative route than coming down from I-95??

 

[photoflight]

If you want to see some countryside of Florida and you don't feel the need for a lead-foot, hop on us17 on the south side of Jacksonville, then sr19 through the Ocala National Forest, to us441 to sr429 (toll road): http://goo.gl/maps/BvBGl

According to Google Maps that route should take about 2h45m where the "direct" I95-I4 route (straight through downtown Orlando) is 2h20m, so it isn't that much longer and it's far more relaxing. Be forewarned that some of the more rural areas don't take kindly to speeding, so take your time and enjoy the ride.

An alternative is to stay on I95 until just past St Augustine then head toward Palatka on 206/207, then continue on to SR19 and the rest of the route (http://goo.gl/maps/B2hgF). That's still only about 30 minutes longer than the "direct" route.

If you're just worried about the possible I94/I4 construction area in Daytona Beach, or the I4 construction between Daytona and Orlando, then try using sr40 at Ormond Beach, to SR11, south through Deland to sr44 and make your way down to sr429 that way. My usual route (http://goo.gl/maps/uqvql) is only about 20 minutes longer than the "direct" I95/I4 route in no traffic - but it's far more enjoyable during rush hour periods or when there are accidents. The only real slow-down is going through Deland, going around is preferable.

 

[JohnD]

We are planning on coming to the World for Christmas 2014. So from Connecticut is there an alternative route than coming down from I-95??

Well, you could make your way over to I-75, then the Florida Turnpike south of Ocala, take SR-429 outside of Orlando. Enter WDW from the west but that would probably add time to your trip.

 

[JohnD]

Or this: Stay on I-95/I-4 until just before Orlando. Take this bypass route: http://goo.gl/maps/pYHBr, which is mostly SR-429 to bring you into WDW from the west.

 

[photoflight]

The problem with taking any of I4 is it's a complete disaster from Daytona to Deltona. I don't see that getting any better before 2015.

I was going to mention I75 but I95 always seems to be better north of FL than I75 has been. That's another point though, coming from the NYC area taking the western route via I81/I77/I75 can help avoid Philly, Baltimore and DC. The last time I drove to Maine I went that way and it was mostly ok, but I did a lot of avoiding the interstates when it made sense.