Less than a week before Christmas, I-4 Ultimate workers were able to perform a shift on the eastbound side of Interstate 4 at Lee Road on Tuesday, north of downtown Orlando.

  • New exit ramp opens along Kirkman Road
  • Roads, ramps to close during the holidays

"The number one thing for drivers is going to be exercising some patience and really paying attention," said I-4 Ultimate spokesperson Dave Parks.

That begs the question, could drivers be in store for more during one of the busiest traveling weeks of the year?

It turns out, yes.

Late Wednesday night, officials announced that I-4 eastbound will be shifted Friday morning at Kirkman Road. In the process, the new exit ramp will now be on the right side as opposed to being one of the only exits that has vehicles getting off on the left side.

However, overall, many will see a drastic reduction in the amount of zones that will be active.

"We'll also have a suspension of lane closures on Christmas and New Year's as well," said Parks.

Those suspensions will take place beginning Christmas Eve through Jan. 2. However, here is a quick rundown of a handful of closures drivers still need to watch for on the I-4 corridor in Central Florida this busy holiday season.

First, from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, crews will be closing the John Young Parkway underneath I-4. All the ramps in the area though will remain open.

Second, in downtown Orlando, Division Avenue will be closed from Dec. 27 to Dec. 30 between Gore and Anderson streets. The westbound State Road 408 on-ramp from Division Avenue will remain open.

The I-4 and State Road 436 interchange will be very active during the holiday. Expect lane closures on the exit and entrance ramps as well as right lanes closed on State Road 436 itself at I-4.

In addition, the secondary roadways in the area will be affected as well. Expect closures on Central Parkway, Douglas Avenue, Westmonte Drive and Wymore Road.

Finally, expect routine maintenance on I-4 between Conroy Road and Ivahnoe Boulevard to occasionally have a lane or two closed as well, as crews work to repair and replace some of the reflective pavement markings.

Driving along I-4 and its surrounding roads can be frustrating, but pack your patience and pay attention to the signage and be wary of others to stay safe wherever your travels take you this holiday season.