Crews at the Interstate 4 (I-4) and Apopka-Vineland Road (State Road (S.R.) 535) interchange project are working hard on numerous improvements to this critical interchange in Central Florida’s tourism corridor. An essential part of ensuring this project is completed to the highest standards of quality is the work of project inspectors.

Israel Ruiz serves as a senior inspector at the I-4 and S.R. 535 interchange project, spearheading a team of inspectors who maintain project quality and safety standards every day. He coordinates with the team to review their daily activities, stays up to date with field operations, and reviews the numerous reports on the project, maintaining an essential log of the project’s status. His duties include ensuring that each inspector is checking for any issues or details that require their attention.

“It is crucial to always stay informed about the project’s status and ensure that all safety conditions meet the necessary specifications and standards,” he said.

Israel earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela.

“I practiced journalism in my country for several years, and it has greatly influenced my current career,” he said. “Although I am now pursuing a different path, the skills I gained from journalism, such as organization and responsibility, have been invaluable.”

Israel has extensive field experience in construction projects in South Florida, where he worked as a quality control inspector and earned multiple certifications. He has experience with projects at multiple levels, including at the county and state levels, with the Florida Turnpike, and with the Army Corp of Engineers.

“Practice, knowledge, and learning have opened doors for me to become a senior inspector,” he said. “And as the years go by, I continue to strengthen and nourish that knowledge to always present the best version of myself.”

Israel said that working on the S.R. 535 project has given him the chance to apply what he has learned and that he is grateful to be part of such an exceptional project team.

“I am dedicated to continuously expanding my knowledge, assisting field inspectors, and learning from my colleagues, who are always teaching me and presenting new challenges,” he said. “The connection and synchronicity necessary for the project, as well as the collective effort required to deliver exceptional work that will undoubtedly benefit all residents and visitors of Florida, bring me great satisfaction.”

Outside of work, Israel enjoys spending time with family, including his wife and son, as well as his friends. A dedicated soccer fan, Israel supports his favorite teams, which include the Venezuelan national team and Orlando City SC. For more information on Israel’s project, visit the I-4 and S.R. 535 interchange project page.