ORLANDO, Fla. — The new express lanes on Interstate 4 officially opened on Saturday morning, and over the next five days, drivers will have the chance to ride the fast lane for free.
After seven years of congestion and construction the I-4 express lanes are now open to drivers.
The Florida Department of Transportation removed the “road closed” signs two hours before their original planned opening of 10 a.m.
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“This is a big change for drivers,” said FDOT Public Information Director Jessica Ottaviano. “This is a little lower traffic volumes for folks. But it allows people the opportunity to try the express lanes on a weekend day to see if it makes sense for their commute day come Monday.”
The idea came to Central Florida after transportation leaders saw how it helped drive times in South Florida.
FDOT wants to remind people that while it is the fast lane, that doesn’t mean you can go above posted speed limits.
Read: I-4 Express: New express lanes officially open
A heavy foot could mean a hefty ticket.
If you get pulled over, you’re asked to pull over to the right shoulder.
FDOT warns that just because you don’t see them in your lane, doesn’t mean they won’t catch up with you.
Photos: I-4 Express officially opens
“We don’t want people to look over in the mainline, see a trooper there and think that they can’t be stopped,” said FHP’s Lt. Kim Montes. “There’s other ways around doing that. And that’s why we all have police radios.”
After the five days are up, you’ll have to pay $3.50 eastbound and $3.00 westbound.
Keep in mind that you will also need to buy and set up your transponder before you get on.
Read: I-4 express lanes: What you need to know
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