Local

SR-408, 407 interchange project could wrap up by Thanksgiving

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — WFTV found out Thursday a massive construction project in East Orange County that's caused major headaches for drivers could be finished sooner than expected.

However, even though the State Road 414-408 interchange is almost done, drivers will have to deal with more problems.

The Expressway Authority insists the project will be wrapped up by Thanksgiving, but the final months will not be easy for the 130,000 drivers who travel the roadway each day.

Next month, crews will close temporary exits and open permanent ones, including the new SR-417 southbound ramp to get on the 408 to downtown. The ramp will be a mile ahead of the current exit.

Next month, drivers headed to Lake Nona will be pushed onto the same ramp crews opened up in March that confused drivers.

The Expressway Authority already has the signs installed for when it does shift traffic to head south on the 417 from the 408.

Even though some drivers are skeptical, the contractor has his own motivation for finishing on-time. There will be a $10,000 fine for every day the contractor goes over schedule.

The Expressway Authority said finishing the project by Thanksgiving will all depend on weather. The contractor has until Dec. 28 to finish without penalties.