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Interstate 4 facts for kids

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Interstate 4 marker

Interstate 4
I-4 highlighted in red
Route information
Maintained by FDOT
Length 132.298 mi (212.913 km)
Existed 1959–present
Major junctions
West end I-275 in Tampa
 
East end I-95 / SR 400 in Daytona Beach
Location
Counties: Hillsborough, Polk, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Volusia
Highway system
Main route of the Interstate Highway System
Main • Auxiliary • Business

Florida State and County Roads
Interstate • US • SR (Pre-1945) • Toll • County

← SR 3 SR 4 →
← SR 399 SR 400 SR 401 →

Interstate 4 (I-4) is a very important highway in the state of Florida. It stretches for about 132 miles (213 kilometers) across the middle of the state. This major road connects big cities like Tampa, Orlando, and Daytona Beach. It helps millions of people travel for work, school, and fun every year.


What is an Interstate Highway?

Interstate Highways are a special network of roads in the United States. They are designed for fast and safe travel across long distances. These highways are usually freeways, meaning they have no traffic lights or stop signs. This allows cars to keep moving smoothly. The Interstate Highway System helps connect cities and states all across the country.

Where Does I-4 Go?

Interstate 4 starts on the west coast of Florida in Tampa. It begins where it meets Interstate 275. From there, I-4 travels east through the middle of the state. It passes right through the busy city of Orlando, which is famous for its theme parks. The highway then continues towards the east coast. It finally ends in Daytona Beach, where it connects with Interstate 95.

Counties I-4 Crosses

As I-4 travels across Florida, it goes through several different counties. These counties include:

Important Connections

Along its route, Interstate 4 connects with many other important roads. These connections help drivers get to different parts of Florida. Some of the key highways that I-4 meets include:

History of I-4

Interstate 4 was officially established in 1959. This means it has been an important part of Florida's transportation system for over 60 years. The highway has grown and changed over time to handle more traffic.

Future Plans: I-4 Express Lanes

To help with traffic, especially around Orlando and Tampa, there are plans for "4 Express" lanes. These are special lanes that drivers can choose to use for a fee. They are designed to help traffic move faster during busy times. The "I-4 Ultimate Express Lanes" project is one example of these improvements.

Images for kids

  • Westbound Interstate 4 in Tampa approaching Malfunction Junction 3

    Approaching Malfunction Junction on westbound I-4

  • I-4 WB 1 mi to FL 535

    I-4 westbound approaching SR 535 in Lake Buena Vista

  • Florida I4eb End, Exit 132A

    Eastern terminus of I-4 at I-95 in Daytona Beach

  • Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida 1955 Yellow Book

    The original plans called for I-4 to extend to St. Petersburg

  • I-4 east exits 111A-B

    I-4 eastbound at exit 111 in Volusia County

  • I-4 WB 2 miles to I-75

    I-4 westbound 2 miles from the I-75 interchange

  • Altamonte-springs

    I-4 in Altamonte Springs

  • Orlando, Florida - Downtown from I-4 East

    I-4 East towards Downtown Orlando

  • 4 Express

    Logo for future 4 Express lanes for Orlando and Tampa.

  • I-4 Ultimate Express Lanes

    An aerial view of the I-4 Ultimate Express Lanes near Winter Park, FL.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Interestatal 4 para niños

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Interstate 4 Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.