Florida Department of Transportation officials are looking at ways to alleviate traffic on I-4 side roads after an early morning crash caused a traffic mess Wednesday.
With I-4 shut down, drivers scrambled for another way to get to work. Many motorists chose U.S. 17/92 as an alternate.
“That tends to have some challenges and I think that’s what people found this morning," said FDOT spokesman Steve Olson.
While accidents and backups are unpredictable, construction backups are all but guaranteed once the interstate is torn up with the I-4 Ultimate Project.
Olson said FDOT is commissioning a study to see how they can better move traffic along on the suggested alternate routes, such as U.S. 17/92 and John Young Parkway.
“There might be some creative ways to work with the lights and get them flowing on the arterials and we are looking at that," said Olson.
Engineers are now monitoring traffic patterns on the side roads to see how they can better improve traffic.
They hope to have solutions by the time construction is in full swing this summertime.
In the meantime, News 13’s Traffic Expert Ryan Harper suggests you look at alternate routes or means of transportation now.
“I’d maybe recommend considering taking SunRail, maybe carpooling as well,” Harper said. “But for now, you’re going to be seeing some of those very high travel times, especially once that I-4 construction starts to pick up in the coming months."
Constriction to build the toll lane extensions expected to last about six years.