I-4 Beyond the Ultimate Designs are Progressing

The I-4 Beyond the Ultimate project team will unveil several design plans this summer, as the work moves into the next phase of the planning process.

As detailed design and construction plans come to fruition, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold additional public meetings to share details about the proposed improvement projects to Interstate 4 (I-4). First up are two interim projects of the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate. Interim projects help lay the groundwork for more complete overhauls of interchanges while immediately providing congestion relief.

Stay tuned to the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate project as public meeting dates will be announced through the monthly newsletter, website and Twitter.

The first interim design project will redesign the Daryl Carter Parkway overpass into an interchange with exits ramps to eastbound and westbound I-4 and an eastbound I-4 entrance ramp. The meeting on this south Orange County project is tentatively scheduled for late August/early September.

The second proposed interim project will complete several necessary improvements to I-4 in Seminole County. The interim project proposes to reconstruct the E.E. Williamson Road overpass and add a lane on eastbound I-4 from E.E. Williamson Road to Lake Mary Boulevard. It also would include resurfacing eastbound I-4 where the new Wekiva Parkway will connect. This meeting is tentatively scheduled for mid-September.

The public meetings will be an open-house style format. Project engineers will be on-site to answer questions and explain the proposed improvements with the help of large display maps, artist renderings, a video and informational handouts. Attendees can comment and ask questions about the design plans.

Two Projects, One Drive

The aesthetics and functionality of the I-4 Ultimate project will seamlessly connect to and from the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate project.

As the I-4 Ultimate project finalizes construction activity in 2021 from Kirkman Road (S.R. 435) to S.R. 434, the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate project will continue transforming Interstate 4 (I-4) to the north and south.

Tolling gantries, lighting, signage, bridge aesthetics and other features will look thematically similar throughout both projects to better visually connect the roadway and give a cohesive feel for motorists. Overpasses and bridges will have similar aesthetic treatments. In addition to fostering a similar look to the I-4 Ultimate project, the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate project aims to create a familiar feel throughout its length.

Landscaping will be implemented after completion of the different segments of the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate project, and it will include Florida-friendly and native plants to help reduce maintenance and preserve a signature Floridian feel for all motorists.

Smart Work Zone Helps Keep Motorists and Workers Safe

As the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate interim projects move closer to construction activity and the first traffic shifts in 2019, it’s worth noting some of the innovative systems already in place to help manage traffic on Interstate 4 in Central Florida.

In fact, the I-4 Ultimate Maintenance of Traffic team recently rolled out a solar-powered, mobile system that can sense traffic changes and automatically warn drivers of road conditions ahead.

In simple terms, the smart work zone system can detect traffic slowdowns and congestion on Interstate 4 (I-4). When it does, the system automatically sends a wireless signal back to an electronic sign, which then generates a preloaded message such as: “Caution work zone ahead.” Or “Caution slowed traffic ahead.”

The wireless signal can work over the distance of a couple of miles, depending on terrain; however, a half-mile is the optimal distance. The advance warning can prevent collisions with other vehicles and help protect those in construction zones nearby.

The smart work zone system, which can be easily moved to various spots along the 21-mile reconstruction project, is just one of the many ongoing safety initiatives of SGL – the joint construction venture of Skanska, Granite and Lane

SGL had tested a similar automated system in 2016 and recently purchased a full system to help keep motorists safe and traffic moving. The system consists of four speed detectors, three electronic signs and two cameras.

When needed, the cameras allow approved members of the I-4 Ultimate team to monitor a situation remotely. The cameras do not record or store any images.

By using solar batteries and electronic signs with preloaded messages, the team also minimizes the number of times that workers need to go to a site beside the interstate to add a message or replace a power source. That, in turn, contributes to the overall safety and efficiency of the team.