If there was one interchange drivers hoped to avoid, it was I-4 at Sand Lake Road – Central Florida's busiest interchange and the heart of the Central Florida International Drive Tourism District. Serving as a critical gateway to hotels, attractions, businesses, and surrounding neighborhoods, the interchange experienced long backups that stretched along the exit ramp. Drivers heading toward Turkey Lake Road, Phillips Crossing, and popular destinations such as Whole Foods Market could spend several minutes just getting off I-4 before crossing over multiple lanes of traffic to reach their destination. As traffic volumes continued to grow, the existing configuration could no longer keep pace, making improvements essential to enhancing safety, mobility, and reliability along the I-4 corridor.
As lead designer, DRMP collaborated with The Lane Construction Corporation (contractor) to transform the I-4 at Sand Lake Road interchange as part of the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate program. The $249.7 million Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 5 design-build project is reconstructing the existing interchange into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI), creating a more efficient traffic pattern and a direct connection from westbound I-4 to Turkey Lake Road. With design complete, construction is approximately 70 percent complete, and the project remains on track for completion in early 2028.
An aerial view of the I-4 at Sand Lake Road Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
Arnold Palmer Invitational Preparation
Because the interchange sits at the center of the International Drive Tourism District and provides access to major events such as the Arnold Palmer Invitational, successful project delivery required early coordination with the International Drive Chamber of Commerce and surrounding stakeholders. That coordination led to the team's innovative interim DDI, which maintained continuous traffic flow while the interchange was actively being reconfigured and allowed the traffic shift to be successfully implemented during the Arnold Palmer Invitational weekend.
The team also worked closely with stakeholders to minimize construction impacts on the area's businesses, residents, and millions of visitors. Decorative fencing, landscaping elements, and other jobsite screening measures helped maintain a welcoming appearance throughout construction.
Conceptual rendering showing the proposed interchange configuration and bridges
DRMP provided roadway, drainage, structures, environmental/permitting, survey, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), geotechnical engineering, traffic signals, intelligent transportation system (ITS) improvements, signing and pavement marking, tolling, lighting, and aesthetic lighting services for the reconstruction of the interchange. The project includes three bridge replacements, three new ramp bridges, two bridge widenings, and a buffered westbound express lane between Sand Lake Road and Central Florida Parkway.
Conceptual rendering showing the diverging diamond interchange
A Major Milestone Opening
In May 2026, the project reached a significant milestone with the opening of a new ramp system that improved access between westbound I-4, Sand Lake Road, and Turkey Lake Road while construction continues on the overall interchange improvements. The new loop ramp replaced the previous left-turn movement from westbound Sand Lake Road to southbound Turkey Lake Road, reducing congestion and eliminating a challenging crossing movement through heavy traffic. The updated configuration also provides westbound I-4 motorists with more direct access to either Turkey Lake Road or Sand Lake Road, creating a safer and more efficient connection.
Following award, FDOT District 5 expanded the project's scope by entrusting the team with the design, permitting, and release-for-construction plans for a new eastbound express lane connection tying into the Moving I-4 Forward (MI-4) Project 4 and I-4 Ultimate improvements. Through close collaboration with FDOT and the design-build team, DRMP successfully incorporated this additional work while maintaining project momentum.
Aerial view of the bridge decks spanning the I-4 at Sand Lake Road Interchange
The team also developed Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs) that improved constructability and project value by shifting the I-4 typical section to the west. This innovative approach improved the horizontal and vertical geometry of the mainline and ramps, enabled bridges to be constructed offline, reduced the bridge deck area by more than 18,000 square feet, and eliminated the need for Category 2 bridges, post-tensioned piers, and shoring towers.
The I-4 at Sand Lake Road interchange demonstrates how a collaborative design-build approach can deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions while adapting to evolving project needs. The result is a modern interchange that improves safety, mobility, and long-term performance for one of Central Florida's most vital transportation corridors and the gateway to one of the state's premier tourism destinations.
