ORLANDO, Fla. — Even though construction on the I-4 Ultimate project has just begun, leaders are already talking about more construction on the interstate, Channel 9 has learned.
The I-4 Ultimate project, which will expand I-4 through Orlando, is expected to take six years to complete. But U.S. Rep. John Mica wants another expansion project to happen sooner than planned.
"We have got to get ahead of the curve, no pun intended, to make certain that the rest of the project is done to move traffic in central Florida," Mica said.
Photos: I-4 Ultimate project renderings
Photos: I-4 Ultimate project overview
The second I-4 project would cost another $2 billion and would expand I-4 south to State Road 528 or U.S. Highway 27, and north to DeLand in Volusia County.
Officials will have to compete with other cities in Florida for funding for the proposal. The Florida Department of Transportation has the plans ready for the extended expansion, but needs the money.
"The reason that growth is so important is that we are working so hard in diversifying our economy and increasing our wages, creating great jobs for citizens that live here and children that are growing up here," Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said. "That is what we are all about, and you don't do that without transportation."
State leaders said it's too late to ask for the funding in the current legislative session, but it's a possibility for next year's session.