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This project has been completed and is only available for historical reference.
Project Details
Work Type: Interchange Construction
Phase: Completed
Limits: Exit 48
City:
County:
Road:
Construction Cost: $72.5 million
Completion Date: 09/12/2025
About

Project Description

This Design-Build project replaced the existing partial cloverleaf interchange with a new diamond configuration with dual teardrop shaped roundabouts at the entrance and exit ramps of the interchange. These changes are designed to improve traffic circulation and enhance safety, emergency access, and truck access in Polk County, Florida. The project is located at Exit 48 along the I-4 corridor. Traffic started using the new bridges on January 13, 2023.

The new bridges and road are higher and wider to accommodate the future I-4 Master Plan (Ultimate) improvements with provisions for special purpose (express) lanes and a high-speed rail (HSR) corridor. Existing eastbound and westbound general-use travel lanes were moved to the outside to coincide with the I-4 Ultimate alignment. CR 557 was widened to four travel lanes, two in each direction within the limits of the state's right-of-way. Other improvements include emergency stopping locations on both the I-4 off-ramps to CR 557, and new conventional lighting along I-4 and CR 557.

Additionally, a new wildlife crossing under the interstate just east of the interchange was constructed allowing wildlife to safely cross between the north and south sides of I-4. For 50 years animals on either side of I-4 have been separated. The addition of the wildlife crossing is significant in providing safe passage for animals to access protected lands on both sides of the intestate, while also protecting drivers from crashes that may otherwise occur when animals attempt to cross the roadway.

Public Involvement

Ribbon Cutting

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area to celebrate the substantial completion of the Interstate 4 (I-4) at County Road (C.R.) 557 interchange and new wildlife crossing.

“I’m thankful for the leadership of Governor DeSantis and support of the Florida Legislature who share FDOT’s vision to modernize Florida’s infrastructure to meet the unique characteristics and future needs of each community in Florida,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “This new interchange and wildlife crossing will reduce congestion, enhance safety, and creates a new wildlife connection to allow Florida’s diverse wildlife a safer way to traverse the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area.”

“The successful completion of this project is a testament to our commitment to innovation and community well-being,” said FDOT District One Secretary L.K. Nandam. “By incorporating state-of-the-art design and environmental considerations, we are paving the way for a more connected future.”

View Factsheet
Contact Information
Communications Team
Sandra Mancil
863-519-4116
For Media Inquiries Only
fdot-d1comm@dot.state.fl.us
Project Documents
Project Videos
Project Images
Completed I-4 at SR 557 Interchange looking north. The red truck aprons along the inside lanes of the roundabouts are designed to support the weight of larger trucks and help long vehicles turn safely through the roundabouts. The truck cab stays in the travel lane, but the tractor can safely track along the apron.
Completed I-4 at SR 557 Interchange looking north
Completed I-4 at SR 557 Interchange looking east
New Wildlife Crossing Under I-4
New Wildlife Crossing Under CR 557
New I-4 at CR 557 Interchange
This project includes the design and reconstruction of the I-4 at SR 557 Interchange from an existing partial cloverleaf interchange configuration to a diamond interchange. Right-of-way has already been acquired for this project and no additional right-of-way is needed.
The intent of this project is to prepare the median along I-4 to accommodate the future I-4 Master Plan (Ultimate) improvements with provisions for special purpose (express) lanes and a high-speed rail (HSR) corridor. This project realigns the existing eastbound and westbound general use travel lanes to the outside to coincide with the I-4 Ultimate alignment. SR 557 will be widened to 4-travel lanes, two in each direction, within the limits of the State’s limited access right-of-way, with roadway transitions to the existing two-lane County Road (CR 557) north and south of the interchange.
Dual teardrop shaped roundabouts will be provided on SR 557 at the I-4 on-ramp and off-ramp terminals. The existing two-lane bridge over I-4 will be demolished and replaced with a new four lane bridge that accommodates the necessary horizontal and vertical clearances over the I-4 Ultimate corridor.
A new wildlife crossing will be provided under I-4, east of the interchange, to facilitate the movement of wildlife between the north and south sides of I-4. Emergency stopping sites will be provided on both I-4 off-ramps to SR 557 and conventional roadway lighting will be provided along I-4 and SR 557.
If you are traveling westbound on I-4 and get off at Exit 48, make a right onto SR 557 to go north to unincorporated Polk County, or go three quarters around the roundabout, south over the bridge and through the second roundabout toward Lake Alfred/Winter Haven.
If you are traveling eastbound on I-4 and get off at Exit 48, make a right onto SR 557 to go south toward Lake Alfred/Winter Haven or go three quarters of the way around the roundabout, north over the bridge (Orange) and through the second roundabout to head to unincorporated Polk County.
If you are driving south along SR 557, you can continue through both roundabouts toward Lake Alfred/Winter Haven (purple line). To enter I-4 westbound, take the first roundabout to I-4 West toward Tampa (green line) or travel over the bridge (Orange) and go three quarters of the way around the second roundabout to take the I-4 East ramp toward Orlando (blue line).
If you are driving north along SR 557, you can continue through both roundabouts into unincorporated Polk County (purple line) or take the ramp before the first roundabout to I-4 East toward Orlando (green line). To head west on I-4 toward Tampa, you will travel over the bridge (orange) and go three quarters of the way around the second roundabout and take the I-4 West ramp toward Tampa (blue line).
The existing bridge will be demolished, and a new four-lane bridge (shown in orange) will be built over I-4.

A new divided median and roundabouts will improve safety for drivers by reducing the potential for crashes. The roundabouts provide full access to drivers exiting I-4 to go north toward unincorporated Polk County or south toward Lake Alfred/Winter Haven. The roundabouts will also provide full access to drivers traveling on State Road 557 wanting to take I-4 west toward Tampa or I-4 east toward Orlando.