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NOVEMBER 2016

Makeover of Maitland Blvd Interchange
Kicks into High Gear

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Two new eastbound Interstate 4 (I-4) entrance ramps opened this month at the Maitland Boulevard (State Road 414) interchange, and more new ramps are on the way.

The eastbound I-4 entrance ramps are two of seven temporary ramp configurations scheduled to open in the next couple months at the Maitland Boulevard interchange. Of the 15 major interchanges undergoing reconstruction as part of the I-4 Ultimate project, the Maitland Boulevard interchange requires some of the most noticeable changes in traffic patterns.

Other new, temporary ramps scheduled to open soon at the Maitland Boulevard interchange, include:

  • Westbound Maitland Boulevard traffic going to Westbound I-4 — A new entrance ramp will open that will send motorist traveling westbound on Maitland Boulevard to a new ramp located on the west side of Maitland Boulevard. Unlike today where the existing ramp is on the right, this will be a left-turn movement so a temporary traffic light on Maitland Boulevard will control left turns onto the new ramp. This configuration will replaced by a free-flowing ramp in the final configuration. An illustration of the new ramp is available online at fdot.tips/WBI4entrance.
  • Westbound I-4 traffic going to eastbound Maitland Boulevard — Instead of westbound I-4 exiting before the Maitland bridge, it continues under the Maitland bridge and a loop ramp will take vehicles to eastbound Maitland Boulevard by merging onto Maitland Boulevard with no signal involved.An illustration of the new ramp is available online at fdot.tips/EB414exit.
  • Westbound I-4 traffic exiting to westbound Maitland Boulevard — This ramp will have a similar entrance point on Maitland Boulevard; however, it will require motorists to exit sooner on I-4.
  • Westbound I-4 traffic wishing to go to Lake Destiny Road — Motorist will exit I-4 at the ramp for westbound Maitland Boulevard. This ramp will then divide and a completely new ramp will provide direct access to Lake Destiny Road.
  • Eastbound I-4 traffic exiting to westbound Maitland Boulevard — This ramp will move to the other side of the Maitland Boulevard bridge and a new ramp will loop into westbound Maitland Boulevard as a merge condition eliminating the need for a signal.

In addition to reconstructing the Maitland Boulevard interchange, the I-4 Ultimate project is remaking parts of Maitland Boulevard. West of the interchange, the project is elevating Maitland Boulevard, adding ramp access points and eliminating select traffic signals to promote better traffic flow.

To learn more about the future I-4 interchange at Maitland Boulevard, visit i4ultimate.com/futureMaitland. For text or email notifications when new ramps open at the Maitland Boulevard interchange, sign up for the I-4 Ultimate’s Advanced Construction Alert System at i4ultimate.com.


I-4 Ultimate to Add Hundreds More Jobs by Mid-2017, including 150 On-the-Job Trainees

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The I-4 Ultimate team expects to grow considerably by the middle of next year, as work continues on the 21-mile makeover of Central Florida’s busiest roadway

Some of those new jobs will be filled by transfers within the companies and subcontractors building the project. But there is a strong need for more workers. People with construction experience are always welcome to apply, but even those without craft skills or experience are encouraged to consider putting in an application at the Recruitment and Training Center in downtown Orlando.

SGL – the joint-venture of Skanska, Granite and Lane on the I-4 Ultimate project – has committed to teaching construction skills to 250 people through its on-the-job training program.

As of early November, 70 people had completed the program and another 30 were currently enrolled. So there are 150 more openings in the on-the-job program to be filled during the life of the project.

“Come in and talk to us,” said Bryan Grassing, Human Resources Service Director for Skanska USA. “We are looking for people who have a good attitude, good work ethic and show a willingness to learn.”

The team is trying to make the application process as simple as possible while still ensuring that the best candidates are hired. The project’s Recruitment and Training Center at 409 W. Robinson Street is located close to Lynx’s main bus station in downtown Orlando. In addition, the staff is bilingual and no appointments are necessary.

Grassing noted that there are opportunities for those with construction experience to learn new skills and those who train on-the-job will have acquired marketable skills that will last even beyond the completion of the I-4 Ultimate project in 2021.

“We’re training people with lifelong skills,” Grassing said.

For more information on available jobs and the times to apply, visit i4ultimate.com/jobs. Jobs also are posted on a board just inside the entrance to the recruitment center in downtown Orlando.


FDOT urges work zone safety through the holiday season

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Whether you’re in the work zone, stopped on the side of the road or driving through I-4 Ultimate project limits, the responsibility for safe driving lies with you. This holiday season, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is reminding all motorists to bear in mind proper safety protocol.

Maintaining safe speeds, moving disabled vehicles and practicing vigilance all are crucial components to ensuring roadways are safe for yourself and other motorists.

Safety reminders for driving through I-4 Ultimate work zones and all other work zones

  • Pay attention to the road and your surroundings in the work zone.
  • Don’t tailgate. Allow at least two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you. Unexpected stops frequently occur in work zones.
  • Dedicate your full attention to the roadway. Avoid distractions while driving in the work zone.
  • Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment. Work zones are ever-changing environments.
  • Don’t speed. Follow the posted speed limits in and around the work zone.

If you’re having car troubles or get into a collision, follow these steps

  • If there are injuries, call 911 immediately and wait for emergency personnel.
  • Turn on your emergency signals. If everyone is unharmed and their vehicles can be safely moved, seek shoulders with barrels and clear the roadway.
  • If you are unable to move your vehicle to a safe area, call *FHP (*347) and remain in your vehicle.
  • Even if there are no injuries, call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
  • Exchange driver, vehicle and insurance information with the other driver, and report the incident as instructed by law enforcement and your insurance company.
  • Call *FHP (*347) for roadside assistance. Depending on the severity of your situation, a Florida Highway Patrol officer may be dispatched. I-4 Ultimate road rangers are equipped to handle minor roadway incidents, and will respond if necessary.

Create a safe buffer between you and stopped vehicles

If you see someone stopped on or along the roadway, follow these steps

  • Move over at least one lane away for stopped vehicles on the roadway or shoulder
  • If you are unable to move over safely, slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit and exercise caution

A look ahead at the improved Ivanhoe Boulevard interchange

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1 Replacing the loop-shaped exit ramp from westbound I-4 to Ivanhoe Boulevard with a long, straight ramp.
2 Adding frontage road extending from westbound I-4 exit ramp at Ivanhoe Boulevard to Colonial Drive (S.R. 50) interchange.
3 Adding exit ramp from westbound I-4 Express Lanes to Ivanhoe Boulevard.
4 Adding an acceleration lane on eastbound I-4 from Colonial Drive (S.R. 50)/Garland Avenue. to Princeton Street improves the capacity of the I-4 general use lanes.
5 Reconfiguring and lengthening the entrance ramp from Magnolia Avenue to eastbound I-4.
6 Adding direct ramp entrance to eastbound I-4 Express Lanes from Magnolia Avenue. Reconfiguring and lengthening the entrance ramp from Magnolia Avenue to eastbound I-4.

Some of the most drastic improvements are being made in the downtown area, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that other areas aren’t receiving similar attention.

Interstate 4 (I-4) passes through the area surrounding Ivanhoe Boulevard, the gateway to downtown Orlando. The I-4 Ultimate project aims to improve access and reduce congestion through the area so Central Florida motorists can reach their destinations safely.

The westbound I-4 exit loop ramp at the Ivanhoe interchange will be replaced with a longer and straighter ramp. This will make merging onto Ivanhoe Boulevard easier and safer for drivers.

Drivers may also enjoy direct connect ramps from the I-4 Express Lanes to and from Ivanhoe Boulevard. Decorative pylons at Ivanhoe and throughout the project will be dispersed adjacent to the interstate, and will signify where drivers may enter or exit Express Lanes.

Additionally, an eastbound I-4 acceleration lane from Colonial Drive (State Road 50) through the Ivanhoe interchange is being constructed to allow for greater capacity in the general use lanes.

A frontage road from Ivanhoe Boulevard will improve traffic flow between the interchange and the Colonial Drive interchange.

Together, all of these changes will help accommodate more vehicles entering eastbound and westbound I-4.

“We understand that the Ivanhoe interchange is a unique area, and it requires attention to detail,” said Loreen Bobo, P.E., I-4 Ultimate Construction Program Manager. “At the end of the project, drivers can expect their drive through Ivanhoe to be less congested and much safer.”

To see the upcoming improvements at the Ivanhoe Boulevard interchange and other interchanges along the 21-mile project, visit fdot.tips/FutureI4.


Construction Closures Suspended During Holidays

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To ease traffic congestion, many of the construction closures on the I-4 Ultimate project will be suspended during the Thanksgiving and end-of-year holidays.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is suspending lane and ramp closures on Interstate 4 (I-4) over the Thanksgiving weekend within the I-4 Ultimate work zone. Limiting closures between 11 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, and 11 p.m. on Monday, November 28, minimizes potential traffic delays for motorists during the holiday travel season.

During the end-of-year holidays, lane and ramp closures on I-4 are scheduled to be suspended within the I-4 Ultimate work zone.

While all lanes of I-4 will remain open to accommodate expected additional traffic during the two holiday periods, some crews will be out working along the project. Motorists need to continue to drive responsibly through the work zone.

Drivers can visit I4Ultimate.com/alerts to learn more about planned closures and sign up to receive personalized email and text alerts to stay informed.

Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System helps travelers and residents stay up-to-date on crashes, congestion, construction and more. The 511 system provides information on all of Florida’s interstates, toll roads and other major metropolitan roadways, including I-4.

There are five convenient ways for all motorists to receive traffic updates:

  • Download the free Florida 511 mobile app available on Google Play or Apple App Store for turn-by-turn directions, alternate routes, travel times and more.
  • Visit FL511.com for interactive roadway maps showing current traffic conditions, congestion, travel times and traffic camera views.
  • Sign up for a “My Florida 511” account at FL511.com to create custom routes and register for email or text alerts.
  • Call 511 toll free for updates.
  • Follow one of the 13 statewide, regional or roadway-specific Twitter feeds (#FL511).

Employee Spotlight: Johnnie Marsden III

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"This is the leading edge of the industry."

Johnnie Marsden III
Heavy Equipment Trainer
Resident of Ruskin

Johnnie Marsden III was providing encouraging instructions to a potential job candidate, who was demonstrating his skills on the front-end loader. “Level your bucket,” Marsden said. “Raise the bucket. Raise it. Now start curling. See the difference?”

He’s operated big machinery on many projects and for SGL, his job is to observe candidates abilities as they operate heavy equipment simulators on test courses. There was no need to pull equipment off the job or worry about the safety of an operator during a simulator assessment.There was no need even to go outside.

The test took place on a simulator inside the SGL Recruitment and Training center in downtown Orlando, where Marsden uses the high-tech setup to assess abilities, teach new skills and reinforce safe practices.

It’s very rare to have job trainers and simulators on a construction project. “This is the leading edge of the industry,” said Marsden, who now works for SGL — the joint venture of Skanska, Granite and Lane. “I love that my position allows me the opportunity to make real change in the way operators view the importance of proper training.”

It’s very rare to have job trainers and simulators on a construction project. “This is the leading-edge of the industry.” said Marsden. “I love that my position allows me the opportunity to make real change in the way operators view the importance of proper training.”

When the applicant completed the simulator test, Marsden read out the stats about total time, percent of shovel loaded, time spent with wheels spinning and several more measurements. They all indicate safety and efficiency. The applicant, who also had served in the U.S. military, seemed disappointed by anything less than perfection. But Marsden said the numbers looked pretty good.

“Confidence, man, confidence,” he said. “If you get called back, come back with confidence.”


Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jennifer Smith, FDOT Title VI Coordinator by phone at (386) 943-5367, or via email at jennifer.smith2@dot.state.fl.us. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).