CFTOD Plans Disney World Western Way Road Improvements Starting June 29, 2026

Construction is coming to the Western Way and Buena Vista Drive intersection near Walt Disney World. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has issued a bid for an interim road improvement project at the intersection, with work set to begin June 29, 2026 and targeting substantial completion within 60 days — around late August. If you drive this stretch to or from Walt Disney World, plan for some additional congestion during that window.

Quick Summary

• CFTOD has issued a bid for interim road improvements at Western Way and Buena Vista Drive near Walt Disney World
• Construction starts June 29, 2026, with substantial completion targeted within 60 days (late August)
• This is a shorter-term fix — separate from the larger grade-separated interchange redesign still in the design phase
• Work includes road resurfacing, removal of a concrete traffic separator, new and relocated signal heads, and updated pavement markings
• Western Way / Buena Vista Drive is a primary Cast Member commute route and sees severe congestion at shift change times (8am and 5pm)
• Temporary lane closures and managed traffic operations are expected throughout the work period

What the Construction Covers

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

• Milling and resurfacing existing asphalt to 1.5 inches depth, with new FC-12.5 surface on Buena Vista Drive and Western Way
• Hydro blasting of the bridge deck before 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 new median turn lane signal pedestals with conduit and pull box work
• Updated pavement markings, arrows, and messages
• Removal and replacement of themed wayfinding signs
• Regulatory sign installation and relocation
• Erosion control and site restoration

Localized striping modifications are also planned on Hartzog Road. Construction is phased to keep traffic moving, but expect temporary lane closures throughout the work period.

Why This Intersection Matters

Western Way and Buena Vista Drive is one of the primary routes Cast Members use to get to and from Walt Disney World. The intersection sees severe congestion every day around 8am and 5pm as shift changes push large numbers of Cast Members through the same chokepoint — on top of regular guest traffic. It is consistently one of the most backed-up spots in the Walt Disney World road network.

Construction activity, even when phased, will likely add to those delays. If you travel this corridor during peak hours from late June through August, plan for longer journey times than usual. This applies to guests heading to or from Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon, or using Buena Vista Drive to access other parts of the resort.

The Bigger Picture: Longer-Term Plans

This interim project is a bridge measure. CFTOD is continuing work on two larger long-term solutions for the corridor: 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. Both of those projects are still in the design phase.

The interim improvements — better road surface, improved intersection geometry, updated signals — are intended to address current conditions while the major redesign works through planning and funding. For guests, the practical impact is that driving on this stretch will be smoother after late August, even before the bigger projects break ground. Stay tuned to DisMornings as the June 29 construction start approaches.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!