The Florida Department of Transportation (FDT) closed the westbound Interstate 4 (I-4) exit ramp to Fairbanks Avenue (Exit 87) on Monday, May 4. It is estimated by the I-4 Ultimate Improvement Project website that the closure will last approximately three weeks while crews construct a new temporary westbound exit and new westbound travel lanes. Extensions may be made to the schedule, due to weather delays or other unexpected circumstances. The FDT cautions drivers to observe posted construction speed limits and use extra care when driving through work zones.
- To detour to Fairbanks Avenue when traveling westbound on I-4: Take Exit 85 to Princeton Street
- Turn left onto Princeton Street
- Then turn left again at Mills Avenue (S.R. 17-92)
- Continue northbound to reach Fairbanks Avenue
The I-4 Ultimate Improvement Project is an enormous rehab and reconfiguration of the interstate, spanning 21 miles through Central Florida. Estimated at a cost of approximately $2.3 billion, the project is currently slated to be complete by late 2021. As of April 2020, construction was reported to be as many as 250 days behind schedule, but the reduction in traffic due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders has accelerated work in some sections.