ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation will give drivers a chance to test the new I-4 Express lanes for free after they open, which is expected by 10 a.m. Saturday.

The free access will continue through March 2. FDOT officials said they hope drivers will use this period to take free trips, determine if I-4 Express makes sense for their commute or travel plans and to get a firsthand look to learn potential routes, identify key signage and not worry about making mistakes navigating the new roadway. 

As of March 3, the Express lanes will charge an initial rate of 50 cents per tolling segment, according to FDOT. Traveling the entire length of I-4 Express will cost $3.50 eastbound and $3.00 westbound during the introductory period.

After the introductory period, rates will be adjusted based on the number of vehicles using I-4 Express, the agency stated in a release, with current toll rates being displayed on overhead electronic signs before each entrance.

Motorists will be able to pay using a SunPass or other Florida-accepted transponders. Cash or a toll-by-plate option will not be available.

I-4 Express, which extends from just west of Kirkman Road (State Road 435) in Orange County to just east of State Road 434 in Seminole County, is separated from the rest of traffic by a concrete barrier wall with limited access points to support longer trips.

This has been years in the making; seven years of work on the I-4 Ultimate project, reconfiguring lanes for a 21-mile stretch. 

Now, these toll lanes can get traffic from Universal Orlando and Kirkman Road all the way past State Road 434 and Longwood, hopefully faster than the other lanes.

Beyond that though it is meant to help alleviate some of the back-up that can happen on the other lanes, getting traffic flowing more smoothly eventually.

Motorists can use the interactive map at i4express.com/plan-your-trip to see where to enter and exit I-4 Express based on their destination.