A Diverging Diamond Interchange is now a reality at the Interstate 4 and Sand Lake Road (State Road 482) interchange in Orlando. The interchange is a vital gateway to one of Central Florida’s busiest tourist areas. See how to navigate it below.

Unlike a conventional interchange, this new traffic pattern will move traffic on Sand Lake Road to the opposite side of the road at a first traffic light, eliminating left turns across traffic to access I-4, and will move traffic back onto the right side of Sand Lake Road at a second traffic light.

Sand Lake Road Diverging Diamond Interchange Sand Lake Road Diverging Diamond Interchange While the Sand Lake Road Diverging Diamond Interchange is now in effect, the I-4 and Sand Lake Road interchange will continue to undergo improvements until its anticipated completion in 2027.

Implementing the Sand Lake Road DDI during the project’s construction phase will give crews space to work in the median of Sand Lake Road. Crews need this room to reconstruct the I-4 general use lanes and extend I-4 Express — the two tolled managed lanes in each direction in the center of I-4 — over Sand Lake Road.

Signs, new roadway striping, and orange barrels guide drivers on the correct path to follow through the DDI on Sand Lake Road. FDOT urges drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians to be patient during this phase of construction. All motorists are urged to avoid distractions, follow posted signage, and drive safely throughout the work zone. Be aware that during this phase of construction, pedestrians traveling either eastbound or westbound will be limited to one walkway at a time, either on the north or south side of Sand Lake Road. Pedestrians should follow all posted signage and cross only at the designated crosswalks.

Here is how to navigate the new Diverging Diamond Interchange at I-4/Sand Lake Road (SR 482) in Orlando:

The I-4 and Sand Lake Road interchange in Orange County will undergo additional improvements so motorists can continue to enjoy safe and reliable choices when they travel, maintaining this heavily traveled gateway to theme parks, shopping, resorts, and more:

  • Reconfiguring and lengthening ramps at the interchange.
  • Improving capacity on Sand Lake Road and Turkey Lake Road.
  • Replacing the existing left turn from westbound Sand Lake Road to southbound Turkey Lake Road with a new loop ramp.

The Sand Lake Road Diverging Diamond Interchange will increase capacity and improve the flow of traffic on Sand Lake Road. This is part of the ongoing Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project to improve safety and reduce congestion through the area.

Central Florida’s first DDI opened at Interstate 95 (I-95) and Viera Boulevard in July 2019. A new DDI opened to motorists July 2022 at the interchange of I-4 and County Road 532 near ChampionsGate. An additional DDI for the I-4 corridor is planned at a new interchange being built at Daryl Carter Parkway – that project is ongoing and is expected to be completed by early 2026.

By ting