I-4 Between Wymore Road and Maitland Boulevard Shifts to Temporary Configuration

Heads up, motorists: Westbound Interstate 4 (I-4) between Wymore Road and Maitland Boulevard (State Road 414) shifted to a temporary configuration.

The shift, which occurred March 11, temporarily relocated more than 1.5 miles of westbound I-4 lanes between Wymore Road and Maitland Boulevard to the center of the I-4 Ultimate construction zone. Drivers should also be aware that the westbound I-4 exit ramp to Maitland Boulevard (Exit 90) moved to its final footprint, approximately a quarter-mile sooner than its original location.

The shift is in place to allow workers to safely build permanent westbound I-4 lanes.

Additional shifts and closures will be necessary as construction continues. Visit the I-4 Ultimate interactive map to view the most up-to-date construction alerts, current interchange configurations, photos, and more.

Motorists should maintain a safe speed when driving through the work zone, follow posted detour signs, and allow extra time to reach to their destination.

Westbound I-4 Exit Ramp to Orange Blossom Trail Shifted to Right Side of I-4

Drivers traveling on westbound Interstate 4 (I-4) now need to exit to the right if exiting to Orange Blossom Trail (U.S. 441/17-92) after a shift of the lanes through that area.

On March 1, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) shifted the I-4 lanes over Orange Blossom Trail. The shift moved the westbound I-4 lanes into their final footprint and changed the location of the westbound I-4 exit ramp to Orange Blossom Trail from a left-hand exit to a right-hand exit.

The shift created room for crews to build the permanent westbound I-4 exit ramp to Orange Blossom Trail and the new general use lanes over Rio Grande Avenue.

Additional shifts and closures will be necessary as construction continues. Visit the I-4 Ultimate interactive map to view the most up-to-date construction alerts and to sign up for customizable alerts.

Motorists should maintain a safe speed when driving through the work zone, follow posted detour signs, and allow extra time to navigate the downtown area.

Eastbound I-4 Exit to South Street Shifts into Final Configuration

Motorists may have noticed some changes to the eastbound Interstate 4 (I-4) ramps as they approach downtown Orlando.

During the weekend of February 22, adjustments were made to the South Street, Michigan Street, Kaley Avenue, and Orange Blossom Trail (U.S. 441/17-92) I-4 eastbound entrance ramps.

The I-4 eastbound exit ramp to South Street, previously combined with the eastbound I-4 exit to State Road (S.R.) 408, shifted into its final alignment. The new exit point begins approximately a quarter-mile farther than the previous exit location. The exit to S.R. 408 did not change.

Crews also closed the eastbound I-4 entrance ramp from Michigan Street. Drivers wanting to access eastbound I-4 will need to use the temporary entrance ramp from Kaley Avenue.

The eastbound I-4 entrance ramp from Orange Blossom Trail shifted slightly from its previous location. Motorists using this ramp will now need to be in the left lane after crossing Michigan Street to continue to eastbound I-4.

The ramp configurations at Orange Blossom Trail, Kaley Avenue, and Michigan Street will be in place for approximately one year to allow crews to safely construct the permanent eastbound lanes.

Additional shifts and closures will be necessary as construction continues. Visit the I-4 Ultimate interactive map to view the most up-to-date construction alerts and to sign up for customizable alerts.

Motorists should maintain a safe speed when driving through the work zone, follow posted detour signs, and allow extra time to navigate the downtown area.

Central Florida Students Construct Their Futures at Construction Career Days

Thanks to Central Florida Construction Career Days, hundreds of Central Florida high school students had a chance to talk with equipment operators, engineers and others about building their own career paths in the construction trades.

The two-day event held at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando gave students hands-on experience in building a rebar support structure, using a cement trowel and setting up survey equipment. Students also took part in learning labs and technology demonstrations, and many had a chance to grab the controls of heavy machinery and operate front-end loaders and excavators under the supervision of experts.

The annual event, usually held each January, is supported by partner agencies and organizations that include the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Transportation Builders Association, the Suncoast Utility Contractors Association, the National Association of Women in Construction, the Federal Highway Administration, and many more.

For more information about Construction Career Days, visit ccdfl.org.

Women in Construction Week Recognizes Women’s Role in I-4 Ultimate Project

Women who work on the I-4 Ultimate improvement project came together to celebrate each other during Women in Construction Week.

The week, observed from March 1-7 this year, was established by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in construction and emphasize the increasingly prominent role women play in the industry.

The NAWIC was founded by 16 women working in the construction industry in Texas and with the core purpose of helping women succeed in the industry. Since the 1950s, the NAWIC has provided opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service, and more to its members. Today, NAWIC is a leading industry resource for women in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Australia, and South Africa.

Each year, SGL Constructors – the joint venture of Skanska, Granite, and Lane – celebrates Women in Construction Week. In addition to daily recognition events and luncheons, women throughout the project receive hats, shirts and the opportunity to encourage each other. This is what some had to say during this year’s Women in Construction Week:

“My best experience on the project is the team I work with and the different things I get to learn.”

- Heather Williams, Instrument Person

“Always feel confident in your knowledge and remember that you are capable of being at the same level as any other industry professional.”

- Tanya Ledesma, Landscaping Manager

“The world needs more women to own their power, embrace their difference, and to dare make their boldest mark on the world like never before. So, get to it!”

- Kim Badell, Field Engineer

“If it is your passion to work in construction, follow your dream! Keep building and making magic happen, and arrive home safely.”

- Andria Rodriguez, Lift Operator

“Do not attempt to compensate for being a woman in this industry. Use your strengths as a woman, let your authentic self shine! Be you! Be determined!”

- Diana Bellinghausen, Safety Manager

Employee Spotlight: Sabrina Alvarez
Hub Office Administrator

If the I-4 Ultimate project could be said to have an official headquarters, it would be the two-story building on Sandspur Road in Maitland, known to team members as the Hub.

It’s there that engineers, designers, office staff, managers, inspectors, construction specialists, and traffic safety and mobility experts work in an array of offices and cubicles. Keeping that busy office functioning is a complex challenge. It can involve everything from getting the air conditioner fixed to ordering supplies to solving a variety of daily issues.

Many of those tasks fall to Sabrina Alvarez, who is the Hub Office Administrator for SGL – the joint construction venture of Skanska, Granite, and Lane on the I-4 Ultimate project. Her typical day can include processing invoices, distributing mail, directing callers to the right person, organizing events and dealing with several facets of building management.

Alvarez enjoys the challenges of supporting nearly 80 SGL staffers. “Making sure my tasks are done in a timely matter every day is one of my greatest accomplishments,” she said. “But my favorite thing about my job is the opportunity to work alongside my colleagues. They are always super motivated and inspire me daily.”

Those supportive relationships helped motivate her to become co-chair of the Florida Chapter of the Skanska Women’s Network.

Alvarez was born in Santo Domingo (capital of the Dominican Republic) and grew up in New York. She majored in public administration at LaGuardia Community College. Her studies help prepared her to take on the daily challenges of supporting those who oversee design, procurement, payroll and more.

“My goals are to have a positive attitude and conquer my daily routine in a very busy office while maintaining a smile and helping the many people who count on me each day.”

Outside of work, Alvarez likes cooking a wide variety of dishes and spending time with her family and her dogs.