Shift happens: I-4 exits combine in downtown Orlando shifting drivers commute

ORLANDO, Fla. — Finally feel like you have all the new I-4 traffic patterns down pat? Not anymore. There's another new shift now in effect that combines two heavily-traveled exits into downtown Orlando.

Drivers on the interstate going east towards downtown Orlando could have a major impact on their commute because the ramp to South Street is now going to merge with the State Road 408 on-ramp.

Drivers familiar with this area may know that backups are already common for people getting on to SR-408.

TRENDING NOW:

Starting Thursday, everyone who would normally get off on South Street will now have to get in the same line as people who want to get on SR-408.

Here's how it works:

After you pass the 408, the ramp that many drivers are used to taking for South Street is closed off. Now, drivers have to get in the right lane at least a quarter mile earlier to exit.

If you want to exit South Street, you need to jump in line with all the people who are exiting onto the 408.

Drivers that take the 408 ramp will then veer off to the right at the new ramp for South Street in downtown.

Drivers in the area wonder if the backup for the 408 will only get worse with all the drivers who use South Street getting in the same lane.

"I feel like that's just going to make it worse," driver Millie Melgar said.

Officials said the change is expected to last for the next 18 months.

NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN #I4: I-4 Eastbound exit to 408 and South St is now a COMBINED EXIT. It's in a new spot. Once you pass Kaley Ave, get in the right lane.

PURPLE LINE: takes you to the 408
GREEN LINE: take you to South St@WFTV @I4Ultimate @MetroPlan_Orl @OrlandoPolice pic.twitter.com/pi9GPunux4
— Racquel Asa (@RAsaWFTV) April 18, 2019