Construction on the Interstate 4 (I-4) projects in Seminole County is transforming key interchanges to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow in Central Florida. Ryker VanDeventer, a construction engineer on the I-4 and U.S. 17-92 interchange project, is using his knowledge and skills to bring the project to a successful completion.

VanDeventer began his construction career as an intern while in college and went full-time after graduating three years ago. He said his interest in construction came from his experience at a young age.

“In high school I started working in home remodeling with my dad,” he said. “That led me to an interest in construction and then ultimately helped me get a bachelor’s degree in construction management.”

VanDeventer said his experience in the construction internship program continued to build his interest in construction management. His growth and development prepared him for his current work on the I-4 and U.S. 17-92 interchange project.

“It’s been a big learning experience for me as an individual,” he said. “This is my first project as far as new construction, and it was really interesting learning all aspects like drainage, signalization, mast arms, and so on.”

As a construction engineer, it’s Ryker’s job to schedule and manage contractors, track the project’s budget, and conduct day-to-day operations on site.

A typical day for VanDeventer begins with a pre-work safety meeting with employees and subcontractors to identify safety procedures to follow and potential hazards to avoid. His responsibilities also include on-site supervision and planning and scheduling for the next day. During lane closures, Ryker and his team establish travel routes for equipment and vehicles entering and exiting the site. His team works to ensure their detours and closures don’t overlap with those from other projects in the area to minimize impacts on travel routes.

VanDeventer prioritizes communication with subcontractors to maintain a strong relationship with them. While safety and scheduling can be challenges, he said working together is crucial.

“I think we have a good relationship with our subcontractors,” VanDeventer said. “We communicate a lot with them throughout the week, verifying our schedule with them, seeing if we need to make adjustments — that’s how we try to keep things running smoothly.”

VanDeventer said his coworkers early in his career have taught him everything he needed to know, and added that he wants to pay that back and help others learn as he did.

“Everyone on all fronts, from the estimators to accounting, they all lead by example, and that’s what I try to follow as well,” he said. To learn more about the project, visit the I-4 and U.S. 17-92 interchange project page.