Crews at the Interstate 4 (I-4) and Apopka-Vineland Road (State Road (S.R.) 535) interchange are busy constructing a new loop ramp that will connect northbound Apopka-Vineland Road to westbound I-4. Once completed, this new loop ramp will increase the overall safety and traffic efficiency of the interchange by eliminating left turns across traffic for motorists traveling northbound on Apopka-Vineland Road headed to westbound I-4.

Construction on the new loop ramp is well underway, and crews have already built the first of two new bridges for the loop ramp. This first bridge passes over the westbound I-4 exit ramp to Apopka-Vineland Road. Earlier this year, crews realigned the exit ramp to pass under the new bridge, bringing both ramps closer to their final configurations. A significant portion of the underlying earthworks that will support the future driving surface for the loop ramp is complete, including embankments for the ramp. Additionally, two new stormwater ponds in the new loop ramp area were constructed alongside westbound I-4, which will aid in increasing drainage capacity throughout the interchange.

As the project progresses, crews will continue constructing the second bridge for the new loop ramp, which will pass over Apopka-Vineland Road alongside westbound I-4. Completing the superstructure of this bridge will require setting structural beams and pouring the concrete bridge deck across the beams to support the final driving surface of the loop ramp.

Crews will construct the foundational layers of the road surface for the new loop ramp on the sections of the ramp that utilize new earthworks and will build new mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls to support the elevated sections of the new loop ramp. Once these are complete, crews will pave the entire loop ramp, finish the barrier walls along the ramp, and place permanent roadway markings on the new driving surface.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working to partially reconstruct this heavily traveled gateway to improve access to nearby theme parks, shopping, and resorts. Other upcoming improvements on the project include realigning the westbound I-4 entrance ramp from southbound Apopka-Vineland Road, lengthening the westbound I-4 exit ramp to Apopka-Vineland Road, milling and resurfacing Apopka-Vineland Road through the interchange, and extending the turn lane on Apopka-Vineland Road.

For more information on the project, visit I4Beyond.com/SR535.

It’s time to break out the jackets and coats as cooler weather sweeps across Central Florida. The winter season brings new challenges for construction crews working on Interstate 4 (I-4) Beyond the Ultimate projects. From dropping temperatures to high wind speeds, crews must stay up to date on weather conditions and determine how work can safely proceed. The Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT's) standard specifications outline the conditions under which crews can safely continue operations or must pause work due to cold weather. Let’s look at what some of those impacts can be.

Periods of cold weather can prevent the proper mixing or placement of concrete, which cannot be mixed or placed when the ambient air temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If there is a chance of freezing during concrete curing, crews must enclose the structure with specially designed curing blankets to keep the concrete above 50 degrees for a period of three days. These measures are necessary if ambient temperatures fall below 35 degrees for 12 hours or more or below 30 degrees for four hours. Using the curing blankets ensures that the concrete cures within the proper moisture and temperature range.

Cold weather also may impact the placement of traffic stripes or pavement markings on a roadway. Pavement markings can only be applied to dry surfaces and when the air and surface temperature is 60 degrees or higher.

The winter season also brings the chance for higher wind speeds. This can affect processes such as concrete pouring for bridge decks, like the one pictured above at the I-4 and Sand Lake Road (State Road (S.R.) 482) interchange improvement project. Even if the air temperature is above 40 degrees, concrete for bridge decks cannot be poured if the average wind velocity during planned work hours exceeds 15 mph. Crews monitor weather forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) to stay up to date prior to a scheduled operation.

Following the FDOT standard specifications for cold weather keeps crews safe and helps projects stay on track as weather improves. You can stay up to date on I-4 Beyond the Ultimate projects by visiting I4Beyond.com.

As the holiday season kicks into high gear, here's a reminder that December marks National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a time to highlight the importance of making safe, responsible choices before getting behind the wheel. The observance focuses on all forms of impairment, including drugs, alcohol, and certain prescription medications.

Every year, nearly 13,000 people in the United States lose their lives in crashes involving an impaired driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That means about 34 people die every day in crashes involving impaired drivers — roughly one life lost every 42 minutes. The risk tends to rise during the holidays, when celebrations often include alcohol and late-night travel.

Charges for impaired driving range from misdemeanors to felony offenses, and penalties for impaired driving can include revocation of driver’s licenses, fines, and jail time. It’s also extremely expensive. A first-time offense can cost a driver upwards of $10,000 in fines and legal fees.

Throughout December, law enforcement agencies across the country are stepping up patrols and sobriety checkpoints as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. NHTSA’s related initiative, “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different,” reminds drivers that impairment isn’t just limited to alcohol.

What You Can Do:

• Plan your safe ride home before you start the party. Choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
• If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride service, or a sober friend.
• If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
• Always wear your seat belt; it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

For more information and safety resources, visit nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.