Flooding shuts down I-4 in Osceola County amid FDOT lane expansion project

Traffic on I-4 halts as FDOT pumps water from flooding

Part of Interstate 4 in Osceola County was closed for hours due to flooding. The eastbound and westbound sides of I-4 have reopened after being closed for several hours. Drivers faced traffic delays during the morning commute.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - A section of Interstate 4 in Osceola County was closed for hours due to flooding. 

Both the eastbound and westbound sides of I-4 between State 429 and World Drive in Kissimmee reopened Monday morning, April 6 after being closed for several hours. 

What we know:

Traffic was diverted at the I-4 exit ramps at World Drive while crews worked to clear the roadway from flooding on April 6. 

Part of I-4 in Osceola County closed for hours due to flooding. (Credit: Florida 511)

The closure caused traffic backups and delays for drivers during their commute. 

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In response, the Florida Department of Transportation brought in pumps to clear the area allow the flow of traffic to resume. 

Where did the flooding take place? 

The flooding took place on I-4 between State 429 and World Drive in Kissimmee. This area is shortly after Walt Disney World and Celebration exits, where FDOT is continuing construction on a lane expansion project. 

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Traffic on I-4 in Osceola and northern Polk Counties is the busiest corridor in the US, FDOT told FOX 35' Marie Edinger. Adding to the traffic is the Moving I-4 Forward project, in which an extra lane in each direction is being constructed to relieve traffic. 

However, FDOT's goal of "keeping you moving while we work," hit a snag on Monday as the roadway was shut down due to two to three inches of overnight rain flooding the area. 

Why did the flooding occur? 

Michael Kirk, who was stuck in the traffic Monday, said this isn't the first time I-4 was shut down due to flooding. Kirk recently got stuck when the on and off-ramps at Champions Gate flooded a couple of weeks ago, along with the exit to the 417, he told Edinger. 

"It's in the construction zone that they're working on right now," Kirk said, speaking of the "Moving I4 Forward" project.

"It's a safety risk. I mean, I mean people running at highway speeds and all of a sudden you come up on this. Especially if it's dark at night or unanticipated, it could be very dangerous," he said. 

What's next:

More rain, with the possibility of more flooding, is on the way. FDOT plans to keep the pumps out to manage the expected rain. 

FDOT said it’s "taken additional steps to further prepare, including inspecting and clearing drainage systems, staging pumps, and closely coordinating with FHP."