Traffic shift of Westbound I-4 exit ramp to Michigan Street takes place

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - The FDOT reports that the traffic shift of the westbound Interstate 4 (I-4) exit ramp to Michigan Street is taking place very early Thursday morning. 

Work is reportedly scheduled to be complete by 5 a.m. 

Crews previously delayed the opening because FDOT said that the cool temperatures would affect paving and striping work, which is usually done during the overnight hours. 

When the new westbound I-4 exit to Michigan Street (Exit 81A) opens, FDOT says that motorists will have to make their decisions to exit one mile sooner. Traffic will exit westbound I-4 via new lengthened ramp on the right. 

The ramp is connected to the existing westbound I-4 entrance from Gore Street and State Road (SR) 408. 

The FDOT is warning motorists to be prepared to merge with traffic to avoid continuing to the ramp in Michigan Street. 

The westbound I-4 entrance ramp from Kaley Avenue is unaffected by this ramp.

The I-4 Ultimate project is rebuilding 21 miles of Interstate 4 (I-4) from west of Kirkman Road in Orange County to east of State Road 434 in Seminole County. The work includes adding two dynamic tolled Express Lanes in each direction, replacing more than 140 bridges, reconfiguring 15 major interchanges and reconstructing the entire roadway.