If you ever drive to or around Disney World/Orlando, you may be familiar with the roads surrounding the property — but some CHANGES could be coming to the area in the future.

We have seen some pretty big transportation updates related to Orlando lately — from new airlines arriving at the airport, concept art for what the Brightline train station will look like in the airport, and news about the path the Brightline train may take through Orlando (and “near” Disney World). And now we’ve got another update that could impact your trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth.

According to FOX 35 Orlando, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently made a trip to Osceola County, Florida (one of the counties within which Disney World is actually located) to announce a proposal related to transportation within the state of Florida.

The proposal comes in at $7 BILLION and would work to “speed the completion of 20 highway products” across Florida.

According to DeSantis, the Moving Florida Forward plan would have ordinarily taken 20 years to complete, but with this additional funding, they could be finished in as little as four years.

DeSantis shared, “We are looking to widen existing roadways, making existing connections more efficient, expand intersections to be more free flowing, and this is going to improve traffic flow.”

Just what work would be included in DeSantis’ plan? Key to those heading to Disney is one project that would focus on the reconstruction of Interstate 4 (I-4) from Champions Gate to the Osceola Parkway. About $1.451 billion would be dedicated to that.

FOX 35 News spoke with Kat White who said, “It’s long overdue, especially for those areas near Disney and when get closer to 95 as well.”

The project would add 2 new express lanes in both directions between Osceola Parkway and Champions Gate. But it would also focus on improving existing roads and access ramps, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue said, “This challenges us to find ways to accelerate, much-needed infrastructure.”

Governor DeSantis is expected to propose the road plan as part of a budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. That will start on July 1st.

DeSantis shared “I think this makes sense to do these things that we’re going to have to do anyways, and we have more than enough resources to make it happen.”

But just because it’s proposed doesn’t mean it’ll go anywhere. The legislature in Florida would still need to approve the proposal. If that approval comes in, then construction could begin in 2024.

Today, I announced the Moving Florida Forward Initiative which will invest a total of $7 billion to expedite 20 major interstate and roadway projects across the state over the next 4 years.
 
Expediting these important projects will provide much-needed relief from congestion. pic.twitter.com/tpGXOi88rX

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 30, 2023

We’ll continue to keep an eye out for updates on this plan and how it could impact your drive to Disney World. For more transportation information, see the link below. And stay tuned for more details.

Click here to learn more about Disney World Resort transportation

Do you drive to Disney World? Tell us in the comments.