New I-4 exit adds extra turns for drivers taking Amelia Street/Colonial Drive

ORLANDO, Fla. — Watch out, downtown Orlando drivers: Starting Wednesday, you’ll have another exit shift along Interstate 4.

A new, temporary exit for Amelia Street was scheduled to open Wednesday at 5 a.m. As of 5:30 a.m., the exit had not opened. The Florida Department of Transportation said the new route will be in effect for 18 months.

The new exit point is just past Amelia Street and will now stick drivers with a longer detour.

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When drivers get off at the exit, they’ll have two options. The first is to take westbound Colonial Drive, and the second is to make a U-turn toward Hughey Avenue, which will bring drivers back to the Amelia Street area.

That said, drivers will hit four additional traffic signals to get back to the Amelia area.

"Now, having to continue over Amelia Street, go to Colonial, then Hughey, then back to Amelia, its definitely going to add a little extra time," said Daivd Parks, with I-4 Ultimate.

FDOT said until drivers get used to the change, it might make more sense to consider a new route using South Street or Princeton Street, depending on their drive.

Officials also said the closure of the current Amelia Street ramp is necessary to continue constrution of the new eastbound I-4 lanes through downtown Orlando.

Cox Media Group