Groundbreaking Held on $2.3 Billion I-4 Ultimate Project

On Feb. 17th, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officially broke ground on the I-4 Ultimate project. Governor Rick Scott and representatives from more than a dozen local, state and federal agencies were present at the ceremony for the largest infrastructure project in Florida history.

I-4 Ultimate is a landmark project that will transform Central Florida. The project involves rebuilding 21 miles of Interstate 4 (I-4) from Kirkman Road in Orange County to State Road 434 in Seminole County, adding two new dynamic tolled Express Lanes in each direction, replacing more than 140 bridges, reconfiguring 15 major interchanges and reconstructing the entire existing roadway.

Guests to the groundbreaking were welcomed by FDOT District Five Secretary Noranne Downs, P.E. “This project has been going on for over ten years, from concept to literally concrete and asphalt.” Secretary Downs also noted that this project would “not only bring many jobs to Florida, but it will be what we’ve needed for a long time.”

Newly appointed FDOT Secretary Jim Boxold also addressed the crowd, remarking, “I-4 is vital, and people count on it every day to get to and from work. This project will improve the design and engineering of I-4, resulting in a better and safer commute.” Secretary Boxold said FDOT would “work around the clock to ensure that we do all we can to lessen the impact of this project during reconstruction.”

Governor Scott then took the stage and said, “It’s exciting to break ground on the new I-4 project. It’s going to add lanes, it’s going to speed up traffic, it’s going to improve safety.” The governor also introduced Joseph Baldwin, a member of the service patrol working on I-4 Ultimate. “Every job, including this job, impacts a person,” said Governor Scott. “Somebody gets a job, somebody’s life is transformed, somebody is better off because we invest in our state.”

FDOT and I-4 Mobility Partners marked the start of construction, operations and maintenance on Feb. 1. Project completion is anticipated in 2021. As construction hits high gear, motorists are encouraged to visit i4Ultimate.com to sign up for the project newsletter and route-specific alerts to help make informed decisions about when and where to travel. Also, browse our photo gallery from the groundbreaking ceremony.


Notice to Proceed 2 Rolls Out With New Service Patrols

The I-4 Ultimate project took another step forward on Sunday, Feb. 1 with the issuance of Notice to Proceed (NTP) 2, which authorizes I-4 Mobility Partners and its contractor SGL Constructors to begin construction and maintenance.

“Today marks an important and critical milestone,” said Cesar Souza, chief executive officer of I-4 Mobility Partners. “Getting here has been a coordinated team effort, but this is just the beginning. We will continue to work together to ensure the highest quality of safety, workmanship, design and construction.”

While drivers might not notice any heavy construction just yet, NTP 2 is associated with something very visible — the start of operations and maintenance (O&M). New service patrols rolled out at midnight on Feb. 1. The new service patrols are similar to the FDOT Road Ranger Program; however, these service patrols are operated by I-4 Mobility Partners and their O&M provider Infrastructure Corporation of America.

“Having dedicated safety service patrol vehicles is paramount to ensuring the I-4 Ultimate project is a success,” said Loreen Bobo, P.E., I-4 Ultimate Construction Program Manager. “The safety of motorists and workers is a top priority for the I-4 Ultimate project.”

Drivers familiar with Road Rangers will see the service patrols offering the same services: providing a limited amount of fuel, assisting with tire changes and assisting with other minor emergency repairs. The service patrols are responsible for responding to all types of incidents and for quickly clearing travel lanes of minor incidents. The service patrol vehicles are stocked with jacks, booster cables, flares and first aid kits.

If you need assistance while driving through the I-4 Ultimate construction zone, the service patrol is just a phone call away at *FHP (*347). Check out http://i4ultimate.com/news-media-resources/road-rangers-video/ to see a behind the scenes of the service patrol in action.


Construction Career Days:
Finding the New Highway Builders

More than 1,500 high school student from across Central Florida got a hands-on look at some of the careers available to them in the construction industries at the 15th annual Central Florida Construction Career Days. FDOT is one of the partner agencies responsible for making the event happen.

The three-day outreach was held from January 27 to 29 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds and featured more than 30 learning labs. FDOT hosted five labs that showed students skills they would need to work on the I-4 Ultimate project: bridge and construction inspection, structures design and geotechnical engineering. The I-4 Ultimate team gave students a chance to learn about heavy equipment operation with equipment simulators and let them test drive survey and GPS equipment.

“It really opens the eyes of high school students not only to career opportunities they have, but also what we’re doing out there on the road,” said Loreen Bobo, P.E., the I-4 Ultimate Construction Program Manager and event chairperson. “There are a lot of opportunities, especially with FDOT projects. We have what’s called on-the-job training. If you have a high school diploma, you can come in and be trained in these skills.”

For more information on Construction Career Days, including registration, volunteering and sponsorship forms, visit http://ccdfl.com/events/ccd-central/index.php.