Big changes for OBT as I-4 Ultimate moves forward

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Attention Orange Blossom Trail drivers: big changes are heading your way.  It's all part of the I-4 Ultimate Improvement Project.

Starting Thursday night into Friday morning drivers will notice the westbound ramp from northbound Orange Blossom Trail will be closing and there will be a new traffic signal will be installed on OBT.

"We have a new traffic signal on Orange Blossom Trial between eastbound westbound I-4 that will help drivers as they exit westbound I-4 to get to southbound Orange Blossom Trial,” said David Parks, spokesperson for the I-4 Ultimate Project. “Instead of a free flowing ramp like we've had in the past we have a signalized intersection."

Now, if you travel north on OBT, you'll have to turn right on Kaley Avenue if you want to get on I-4 westbound.

"Ultimately, we're working towards the end, there will be a right lane exit, free flowing movement onto OBT so this is the first step toward that ultimate configuration,” said Area 2 manager with SGL Constructions David Ballard

The Florida Department of Transportation says 16,000 cars travel on the entrance ramp a day.  Workers will keep an eye on traffic to make sure the new light and ramp won't cause any problems.

"We're starting to hit our stride in construction, you're going to see a lot of shifts and closures and detours like this coming up in rapid succession,” said Parks.

FDOT says the overall goal: improve the flow of traffic, so drivers can have a safer commute. Remember if you use a GPS navigation system, it may take up 30 days to detect the new changes so pay attention to the signs.