New Sidewalk Diversions in Place on Sand Lake Road and Daryl Carter Parkway

Those who regularly walk near Interstate 4 (I-4) in the attractions area may notice some changes to their usual routes. Two improvement projects along I-4 — at Sand Lake Road (State Road (S.R.) 482) and Daryl Carter Parkway — have new sidewalk diversions in place to help keep pedestrians safe while crews continue major roadway improvements.

Along Sand Lake Road, the sidewalk diversion directs pedestrian traffic to the south side of the roadway between Turkey Lake Road and International Drive. This new route began on April 10 and will be in place for several months. Previously, pedestrians were using the sidewalk along the north side of Sand Lake Road so crews could work on the westbound I-4 entrance and eastbound I-4 exit ramps.

The new sidewalk diversion is necessary for crews to complete utility work, drainage improvements, and ramp construction. Signs are posted along Sand Lake Road to guide pedestrians safely through the area. Access to nearby businesses remains open, so shopping, dining, and entertainment plans can continue without disruption.

Nearby at Daryl Carter Parkway, a similar sidewalk diversion is in place. The diversion began in mid-April and directs pedestrian traffic to the south sidewalk along Daryl Carter Parkway between Palm Parkway and Regency Village Drive. Crosswalks at each end of the I-4 overpass provide access to a new protected walkway in the median.

This diversion supports ongoing construction to complete ramp and sidewalk work for the upcoming diverging diamond interchange (DDI). Once complete, the new DDI will provide additional travel options in the tourism corridor.

While these changes might add a few extra steps to your walk, they’re an important part of keeping everyone safe during construction. So, if you’re out on foot in these areas, keep an eye out for construction signs, follow the safety diversions, and know that these temporary changes are helping build better, safer roadways.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Each year, May is recognized nationwide as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. May is a great time to ride, with warm weather and sunshine well underway here in Florida. During this time, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) puts a spotlight on motorcycle safety, highlighting the role each of us plays while sharing the road.

Whether you’re walking, biking, driving, or riding a motorcycle, you are responsible for following the rules of the road, and your actions should be as predictable as possible.

Motorcyclists

• Ensure you and your bike are road ready.
  • All motorcyclists must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license.
  • FDOT encourages motorcyclists to wear a helmet, proper clothing, and protective shoes. You can’t predict a crash, but you can protect yourself if one occurs.
  • Check your bike’s tire pressure, tread depth, hand and foot brake responsiveness, headlights, signal indicators, fluid levels, and any signs of oil or gas leaks before you ride.
• Follow the speed limit.
• Be predictable. Do not weave or split lanes. Use your turn signals or hand signals.
• Check the weather. Rain makes roads more slippery.

Drivers

• Share the road. Motorcyclists have the same right to use the road as other vehicles.
• Be aware of your surroundings and always look twice for motorcycles.
• Leave space between you and any vehicle in front of you — especially motorcycles.
• Drive the speed limit. Speeding increases the risk and severity of crashes.
• Be predictable and use your turn signals.

Each time you get on the road, you should be sober, alert, and distraction-free. Remember, no one is invincible, and our actions on the road have real consequences. Look out for yourself and others so we can all get home safely. For more information on motorcycle safety, visit fdot.gov/safety/motorcyclesafety.shtm.

Employee Spotlight: Ravi Premchand, Project Administrator

The capacity improvements at the County Road (C.R.) 46A (H.E. Thomas Jr. Parkway) and Rinehart Road intersection are expected to increase traffic efficiency while reducing congestion onto the Interstate 4 (I-4) and C.R. 46A interchange. To achieve these improvements, strong leadership and management are required to make sure that everything goes smoothly. That is where Project Administrator Ravi Premchand comes in.

Premchand brings 20 years of industry experience to Florida’s I-4 corridor, helping lead some of the region’s most complex infrastructure improvements. However, his journey began far from interstate lanes and flashing hazard lights. It began in the Caribbean.

“I grew up around construction,” Premchand said. “My father was a construction manager for a company in the Caribbean, so from a young age, I was constantly surrounded by job sites, building projects, and heavy equipment. Being exposed to that environment sparked a real fascination with how things are built and how all the moving parts come together to create something from the ground up.”

Born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Antigua and Barbuda, Premchand credits his upbringing for shaping his work ethic and perspective. In 2004, he moved to the U.S. with his family in pursuit of new opportunities and brought his foundation of hard work with him.

Premchand’s academic path led him to Valencia College, where he earned an associate’s degree in arts and two associate’s degrees in science — one in construction management and another in civil engineering technology with a focus on surveying. Today, he continues his education at Daytona State College, where he is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology. Premchand has also completed several specialized training courses to enhance his expertise in the construction and engineering fields.

“These certifications have helped me maintain high standards of quality and safety while ensuring that I can effectively manage and oversee various aspects of complex construction projects,” he said.

That complexity is on display in his current role on the C.R. 46A and Rinehart Road improvement project. As a project administrator, Premchand oversees multiple large-scale construction initiatives aimed at easing congestion, improving safety, and modernizing one of the state’s busiest corridors — I-4. His work on the I-4 and U.S. 17-92 interchange improvement project completed in March, helping to improve traffic flow for motorists and safety for pedestrians and cyclists in that growing area of Seminole County.

Each project involves multiple complex elements, such as drainage and embankments, signalization, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), lighting, and resurfacing.

“My role focuses heavily on organization, communication, and leadership to drive successful project outcomes,” Premchand said. “I'm especially proud of the organization and structure I bring to these complex projects. Whether it's tracking progress, coordinating with multiple departments, or keeping documentation accurate and up to date, I take pride in the part I play in keeping everything aligned and moving forward.”

One of his proudest professional moments came when the I-4 and U.S. 17-92 interchange reached completion.

“It was a rewarding moment seeing all the coordination, problem-solving, and team effort pay off,” he said. “It felt great knowing I played a key role in helping the project reach the finish line successfully.”

Married for 18 years and the father of four daughters, Premchand has learned the art of balancing complex projects at work with family life at home. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, spending time outdoors, traveling, and exploring new places with his family.

“These hobbies help me recharge and bring balance to my life — something I value just as much as my professional achievements,” he said.

As the C.R. 46A and Rinehart Road intersection project advances, Premchand is excited to take on new challenges, support the growth of his team, and contribute to the continued success of his projects.

To learn more about Premchand’s project, visit I4beyond.com/cr46a.