FDOT Reminds Motorists to Drive Carefully

Driving carefully helps ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and those who build and repair the roadways. While — during these uncertain times — fewer motorists are using roadways and congestion has decreased in many areas, it is still important to continue to follow and observe all rules and laws of the roadway. Even if you find roadways less congested and plenty of space between you and other vehicles, please remember that posted speed limits, road surface markings, and all other roadway laws still apply.

It is also important to note that construction on Interstate 4 (I-4) projects, such as I-4 Ultimate and I-4 Beyond the Ultimate, is continuing. While fewer cars may be traveling through construction zones, construction crews continue to work in these areas.

To avoid collisions and traffic tickets, here are some helpful tips for safely navigating roads and work zones:

Lower Your Speed – In the long run, speeding in work zones saves little time and is dangerous.

Don’t Tailgate – The most common work zone crash is a rear-end collision. Maintain a safe distance, as you never know when traffic will stop or slow down.

Pay Attention – Work zones are changing environments. Travel lanes may be different from the last time you drove through the area. Don’t let anything divert your attention from the primary task of driving.

Put Down Your Phone – In Florida, it is a primary offense to handle a wireless communication device while operating a vehicle in a school or work zone. You can be stopped and fined for simply having a phone in your hand.

Construction Spotlight: Jon Clary
Senior Road and Bridge Inspector

Jon Clary has been a road-and-bridge construction inspector in some extreme places – New Jersey during a harsh winter, Key Largo in a broiling summer, and deep in the hollow support columns of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, about 50 feet below the surface of Tampa Bay.

Clary still loves the constant variety of challenges, even after 20-plus years in construction. “There’s never two days alike,” he said. “There’s always something new to learn, and it keeps me on my toes.”

These days, he’s busy as the senior inspector on the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate project and often focused on the rebuilding and improvement of the E.E. Williamson Road bridge. That bridge over Interstate 4 (I-4) in Seminole County is being replaced section-by-section to widen I-4 for future use and to provide better access for bicyclists and pedestrians on the bridge.

“The area we work in around the bridge is very limited,” said Clary, who works for WSP. “We need to keep motorists and workers safe while continuing to make good progress. There’s a lot of planning that goes into shifting lanes, moving equipment and maintaining the highest safety standards.”

In addition to inspecting bridges, his tasks can include overseeing plans for maintaining traffic flow during construction and reviewing or testing soil conditions, pavement quality, pile driving, and nearly any construction material. Clary also works hard each day to ensure the highest safety precautions are being followed.

Born in Jacksonville and raised in Flagler County, Clary began his career following high school as a surveyor. Realizing that further education would lead to greater opportunity, Clary continued to work part time while earning an associate degree in civil engineering from Daytona State College in 2001.

Soon after earning his degree, Clary began working as an inspector’s aide – rising through the years to the challenges of complicated projects. They include the Fuller Warren Bridge in Jacksonville, the 18-mile stretch between Florida City and Key Largo, the widening project of the New Jersey Turnpike, the concrete paving of I-4 between DeLand and Daytona Beach, and the construction of a diverging diamond interchange in Viera.

“It’s hard work,” he said. “But it’s satisfying.”

Away from the job, Clary enjoys spending time with his wife, Kate, and their two children, Jonathan and Olivia.