CFTOD Plans Disney World Western Way Road Improvements Starting June 2026

Work is coming to the Western Way and Buena Vista Drive area sooner than expected. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) has issued a bid for an interim improvement project at the intersection, with construction set to kick off on June 29, 2026.

The project is separate from the larger-scale interchange redesign and Western Way widening that CFTOD has been planning — this is a shorter-term fix intended to address current conditions while the bigger work remains in the design pipeline.

The scope covers Buena Vista Drive, Western Way, and the northbound approach of Hartzog Road. The main work includes:

• Milling and resurfacing the existing asphalt to a depth of 1.5 inches, with new FC-12.5 surface on Buena Vista Drive and Western Way
• Hydro blasting of the bridge deck before the new surface is applied
• Removal of the concrete traffic separator at the northwest corner of the Buena Vista Drive and Western Way intersection
• New and relocated signal heads, plus installation of new median turn lane signal pedestals with associated conduit and pull box work
• Updated pavement markings, arrows, and messages
• Removal and replacement of themed wayfinding signs
• Regulatory sign installation and relocation
• Traffic control cabinet tie-in work
• Erosion control and site restoration

Localized striping modifications are also planned on Hartzog Road.

Western Way and Buena Vista Drive is one of the primary routes Cast Members use to get to and from work at Walt Disney World. The intersection sees severe congestion around 8am and again around 5pm on a daily basis, as shift changes push large numbers of Cast Members through the same chokepoint at the same time — on top of regular guest traffic.

Construction activity, even when phased to minimize disruption, is likely to add to those delays. If you travel this corridor during peak hours, plan for longer journey times than usual from late June through August.

Construction is phased to keep existing traffic moving. Expect temporary lane closures and managed traffic operations throughout the work period. Substantial completion is targeted within 60 days of the June 29 kickoff, putting the expected finish around late August 2026.

Long Term Plans

This interim project comes as CFTOD continues work on the longer-term solution for the corridor. As reported last year, the district has been moving forward on two larger projects: a full grade-separated interchange that would elevate Buena Vista Drive over Western Way, and a widening of Western Way from four to six lanes between SR 429 and Buena Vista Drive. Those projects are still in the design phase.

Buena Vista Drive - Western Way Interchange Redesign

The interim improvements are best understood as a bridge measure — getting the road surface and intersection geometry into better shape while the full redesign works its way through planning and funding.