Milling and Resurfacing Completed on U.S. 17-92 Improvement Project

This month, construction crews completed milling and resurfacing work on the Interstate 4 (I-4) and U.S. 17-92 interchange project in Seminole County. The work took about two weeks to complete.

Milling and resurfacing are crucial steps to a roadway project’s success. Over time, roads are subject to wear and tear due to heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and natural aging of materials. This is where milling and resurfacing play a pivotal role in maintaining and expanding the lifespan of roadways.

Milling is a technique in which the top layer of the pavement is removed using specialized machinery. This process involves grinding down the surface to a predetermined depth, exposing the underlying layers of the pavement. Milling serves many critical purposes like restoring the smoothness of a roadway, maintaining the height of the pavement, salvaging recyclable materials, and improving drainage and overall safety.

Resurfacing involves applying a fresh layer of asphalt on top of a properly milled base. This essential step in road maintenance breathes new life into roads. Resurfacing plays a major role in extending the life of a road and improving ride quality, resulting in an overall smoother and more comfortable driving experience for motorists and their passengers. It’s also a cost-effective option compared to a full road reconstruction.

The I-4 and U.S. 17-92 interchange improvement project in Seminole County aims to enhance safety by improving sight distance for motorists, upgrading crosswalks for pedestrians and bicyclists, and reducing the speed limit on U.S. 17-92 from 50 mph to 35 mph. The improvements will include adding a pedestrian-activated hybrid beacon signal at the end of the eastbound I‑4 exit ramp.

A pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) is a traffic control device consisting of two red lenses above a single yellow lens. PHBs are designed to help pedestrians safely cross higher-speed roadways. They remain dark until a pedestrian pushes the call button to activate a yellow-to-red lighting sequence consisting of flashing and steady lights that direct motorists to slow and stop, providing the right-of-way to the pedestrian to safely cross the roadway.

Additionally, an auxiliary lane will be added on eastbound U.S. 17-92 between the westbound I‑4 exit ramp and Monroe Road. A second right turn lane will be added to U.S. 17-92 when driving east to continue south on U.S. 17-92/Monroe Road. The dual right-turn-only lanes will stop at the signalized intersection at Seminole Boulevard, replacing the existing free-flow right turn. A right turn lane will be added from southbound U.S. 17-92/Monroe Road to the eastbound I‑4 entrance ramp, and a left turn lane will be added from westbound Seminole Boulevard to U.S. 17-92/Monroe Road to drive south.

Construction started in fall 2023 and is expected to be complete by late 2024. To learn more about this project, visit I4Beyond.com/U.S.17-92.

Drone Footage Captures Recent Progress at Daryl Carter Parkway

Click on image above to view video.

Construction crews continue to improve Daryl Carter Parkway over Interstate 4 (I-4), transforming the existing overpass into a new diverging diamond interchange. When completed, the new interchange will allow motorists to exit I-4 to Daryl Carter Parkway from both directions and it will provide a new eastbound I-4 entrance.

The drone video linked above starts by showing overhead views of the bridge demolition work that has been ongoing on the south side of the Daryl Carter Parkway overpass.

Viewers will then see drone footage of the new eastbound I-4 exit ramp that crews are constructing. A view of the future eastbound I-4 entrance ramp from Daryl Carter Parkway follows, highlighting construction progress on the ramp as well as new drainage structures.

Lastly, the video shows the progress of asphalt placement on the westbound I-4 ramp from Central Florida Parkway. For more information on the Daryl Carter Parkway project, visit the project web page.

FDOT Recognizes Older Driver Safety Awareness Week December 2-6

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will recognize Older Driver Safety Awareness Week December 2-6. This week provides an opportunity not just for older drivers, but for everyone who has an older driver in their life to consider the unique challenges that this population faces.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), 2022 saw the highest number of fatal crashes involving drivers over the age of 65 since 1975. One step toward reducing such crashes is by recognizing the challenges that older drivers face on the road.

No two people age in the same way, and some older drivers can be just as fit as they were in younger years. However, declining vision, reduced physical fitness, and slower reflexes are a reality for many people as they get older.

However, there are steps we can take to make the roads safer. For older drivers, shifting to driving during daylight hours can make a huge difference. Older drivers should plan their schedules around easier driving time whenever possible, including during more favorable traffic and light conditions. Remember, the sun sets earlier in winter, so older drivers should exercise additional caution if they must drive at night, and they should always be aware of how medical conditions or medications may affect them behind the wheel.

To learn more about how older drivers can travel more safely, visit FDOT's Safe Mobility for Life Program website.

Employee Spotlight: Ryker VanDeventer, Construction Engineer

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.