Daryl Carter Parkway Bridge Demolition Work Begins

This month, construction crews on the Interstate 4 (I-4) and Daryl Carter Parkway interchange project started demolition work on the Daryl Carter Parkway overpass. Crews are working on both the eastbound and westbound sides of the bridge and will alternate between the two sides.

This part of the project will take about two to three weeks to complete. Single- and double-lane closures on the bridge will occur while the work is being performed. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) urges motorists to exercise caution when driving through this (or any) work zone.

Demolition seems counterintuitive to construction, but it is often an important part of the project. Carefully planned and executed demolition, followed by the construction of new structures, can often be less expensive than trying to repair or alter an outdated or damaged structure.

The construction team is removing the outside sections of the Daryl Carter Parkway overpass bridge, which includes the existing sidewalks and barrier wall. The finished diverging diamond interchange (DDI) will feature two lanes in each direction, which will shift traffic to the left side of the road to eliminate left turns across traffic and increase efficiency at the new interchange. The lanes will shift to the left at a traffic signal at the start of the interchange and will shift back to the right at a second signal on the other side of the interchange.

The original design of the bridge incorporated two lanes in both directions, pedestrian traffic on both sides of the bridge, and a median traffic separator. Construction crews will remove the existing traffic separator in the middle of the bridge for the new pedestrian traffic crossing area. Barrier walls and handrails will be installed for the new pedestrian traffic crossing area in the middle of the DDI.

Additionally, this project will add three new ramps (which are already under construction), exits from each direction and a new entrance ramp to eastbound I-4. A new westbound entrance ramp will be built later as part of a separate project.

For more information on the Daryl Carter Parkway DDI project visit: I4Beyond.com/DarylCarterParkway.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As summer approaches, more motorcyclists will take to the open roads. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) would like to remind everyone to share the road and drive responsibly.

Motorcycles only make up 3% of registered motor vehicles in Florida, yet account for nearly 17% of all vehicle-related fatalities in the state. Together, we can lower this number. Whether you’re riding on a motorcycle or driving in a car, there are things you can do to minimize the risk of a crash.

Motorcyclists:

• Obtain your motorcycle endorsement. To operate a motorcycle, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.
• Become familiar with your motorcycle. Spend time learning how it responds to different conditions.
• Wear protective gear. Heavy denim or leather clothing, gloves, and proper boots or shoes that rise above the ankles will help protect riders in the event of a crash.
• Wear a helmet. In Florida, you do not have to wear a helmet if you are over the age of 21 and covered by an insurance policy of at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries obtained in a crash while operating a motorcycle.
  • FDOT, however, strongly recommends motorcyclists wear a helmet at all times.
  • If you choose to wear a helmet, it should meet the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• Check your bike. Before you ride, check your bike’s tire pressure, tread, hand and foot brakes, headlights, signal indicators, fluid levels, and any signs of oil or gas leaks.
• Ride safely. Once you’re on the road, obey traffic laws and ride defensively. Do not weave or pass between vehicles traveling in adjacent lanes.
• Stay sober and avoid distractions. Don’t drink and ride or text while riding.

Other motorists:

• Share the road. Motorcyclists have the same rights to the road as other motorists, so treat them with the same respect.
• Check your blind spots and look twice. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can easily be missed, so do your part and look twice before changing lanes.
• Leave room between you and any vehicle in front of you, especially motorcycles.
• Leave a whole lane. When passing a motorcycle, change lanes completely, just like you would for other vehicles.
• Remain alert. Avoid distracted driving. In addition to only using mobile devices in hands-free mode, avoid taking your eyes off the road to adjust your stereo.

FDOT encourages motorists to treat every month as if it’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Road safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone deserves to get home safely. Visit FDOT’s motorcycle safety page to learn more.

Test yourself with our Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month interactive word search feature at the link below.

I-4 Beyond the Ultimate Projects Ready for Hurricane Season

In anticipation of the annual hurricane season, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is observing Hurricane Preparedness Week from May 1-7. Floridians are used to making crucial preparations to safeguard themselves from the possibility of severe weather. It is important for everyone to gather supplies and have a safety plan in place at the onset of hurricane season, which begins in June and ends in November.

No strangers to hurricane preparedness, the construction teams working I-4 Beyond the Ultimate projects along Interstate 4 (I-4) start their preparations well ahead of a storm ever appearing. The teams locate and clearly mark electrical supplies, inventory emergency supplies, check the availability of rental equipment, and much more.

The crews also address potential storm-related flooding issues, working in advance on solutions to mitigate flooding, so that they can quickly address water accumulation throughout the corridor.

Thorough planning is essential, as current I-4 Beyond the Ultimate projects cover a lot of ground in Seminole and Orange counties. FDOT follows a set of state-approved policies designed to minimize damage while keeping employees safe, essential staff on duty, and emergency routes clear.

When FDOT gives the directive, the I-4 Beyond crews follow their approved procedures to secure or remove traffic barrels, barricades, temporary signage, and any other items that strong winds may carry off. Depending on weather conditions, workers may also lower the overhead lights on high-mast poles.

When sustained winds are predicted to reach or exceed 35 mph, it is an indicator that storm-safety procedures should start.

After the storm subsides, the teams inspect the various sites for damage, begin cleanup, and clear drainage systems of debris, if necessary, and then promptly get back to their regular work schedules as soon as it is deemed safe.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) also has information and links for those who want to make sure their own severe weather plans are up-to-date.