I-4 Traffic Pacing Operations Scheduled for December 22–23

Watch this informative video to learn how traffic pacing operations provide safe working zones for construction crews.

Motorists should be advised that traffic pacing operations are scheduled to occur on eastbound and westbound Interstate 4 (I-4) between midnight and 5 a.m. the mornings of Tuesday, December 22, and Wednesday, December 23.

On eastbound I-4, the operation will begin at Princeton Street. The operation on westbound I-4 will begin at the U.S. 17-92 entrance ramp. Both directions will conclude near the E.E. Williamson Road overpass.

During the operation, affected eastbound and westbound I-4 entrance ramps will be temporarily blocked by law enforcement officers to ensure no vehicles jump ahead of the traffic pacing operation. As the pace car passes an interchange, the entrance ramp will be reopened to allow motorists to enter I-4 and join the slow roll. Each traffic pacing operation will create a 30-minute window for crews to place support beams for the new E.E. Williamson Road overpass. Single lane closures on I-4 under E.E. Williamson Road may occur in advance, during and after the traffic pacing operations.

Multiple pacing operations are scheduled to occur each night. Expect about half hour delays on westbound and eastbound I-4 between U.S. 17‑92 and Princeton Street. Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather or other circumstances.

Please continue to use caution while driving through active construction zones. Remember to always be alert, whether walking, riding or driving.

For more project information visit I4Beyond.com/Seminole.

Do You Know Your Way Around Diverging Diamond Interchanges?

An innovative interchange design that helps improve safety and traffic flow is coming to the Interstate 4 (I-4) corridor - the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). Current design plans for the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate call for the first DDI to be built at the I-4 and County Road 532 interchange in Osceola County.

Beyond the Ultimate Spotlight: Ryan Clark
Assistant Manager for Integrated Corridor Management at the Regional Traffic Management Center

Ryan Clark helps manage daily traffic operations at the Regional Transportation Management Center (RTMC) for District Five of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

He loves the variety of challenges that the team in Sanford faces every day, as they monitor roadway cameras, analyze vehicle data, and work to keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely on the interstates, highways, and arterial roads in Central Florida. That effort includes the areas under construction with the I-4 Ultimate and I-4 Beyond the Ultimate projects.

Although lane changes and closures related to construction require constant attention, Clark enjoys working with FDOT, Road Rangers, Florida Highway Patrol, and others. He also likes bringing new people into the team and has hired and trained about 200 newcomers during more than nine years in traffic management.

“We’re all part of a team,” Clark said. “We all have to be ready to jump in.” When training new hires to be part of a team, he always remembers how he started as a temporary worker on the overnight shift.

“I never forget where I started from on this job,” said Clark, who is now an assistant manager. “I don’t want anyone on the team to think that there’s something that I’m too big to do. I have a passion for this work.”

Born and raised in St. Louis, Clark earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in applied science and a Master’s in contract management from Webster University in St. Louis. Previously, Clark had been an accountant for a property management firm and a food and beverage manager for a hotel. Today, he is an employee of Metric Engineering – one of the firms that help operate the RTMC.

“Sometimes it’s hard to explain to others what we do there,” Clark said. “But we are always trying to keep traffic flowing as quickly and safely as we can.” If there’s a crash or other incident, the RTMC team coordinates with first responders, towing contractors, and the cleanup teams.

When not at the RTMC, Clark said he enjoys traveling or learning to cook a variety of foods.