Local

Work on multimillion-dollar I-4 overpass extended to Oct.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A multimillion-dollar overpass designed to relieve traffic on Interstate 4 will take several more months to complete, WFTV reporter Racquel Asa found out.

Construction work on John Young Parkway and Orange Blossom Trail was supposed to be finished this summer, but officials said it won't be finished until the fall.

Anitra Manning told Asa that she makes food deliveries and the construction in Fairview Shores is costing her time and money.

"So, sometimes I'm sitting here at the light for about 15 minutes," said Manning.
Construction on the new overpass started two years ago.

The Department of Transportation said holidays and additional curbs and sidewalks added to the plan by the state pushed back its completion as late as October.

That means drivers like Ron Thompson won't be making the regular route until fall.

"I do everything I can to avoid this intersection," said Thompson.

But once it's finished, it'll be a direct connection for drivers on John Young Parkway trying to get to Longwood.

One of the only ways to get there now is through John Young Parkway, a turn on Lee Road and another on Edgewater drive. WFTV counted four traffic lights in the almost 3-mile stretch. The new overpass is a mile less and won't have a traffic light.

For Manning, less time in traffic means more money in deliveries.

Since the state added more to the project, the contractor will not be fined for taking longer than expected.