i-4 Ultimate
 

June 2021

 
IN THIS UPDATE
* The Finishing Touch: Counties and Cities Get Custom Medallions
* Employee Spotlight: Elizabeth Molina
* Kirkman Road Redesigned to Improve Connectivity in Attractions Area
* How to Be Safe and Prepared During Summer Travel
 
 
 
 

The Finishing Touch: Counties and Cities Get Custom Medallions


Click on image above to view video.
 

The I-4 Ultimate improvement project is close to completion, and a clear sign of work wrapping up is the placement of customized medallions throughout the 21-mile section of Interstate 4 (I-4).

The medallions — large, round and made of stone — will be located at interchanges, overpasses, and underpasses. Each city and county in the project corridor consulted with the I-4 Ultimate team to design the medallions for their area, which will commonly bear the municipality’s emblem and motto.

Crews have installed dozens of medallions so far, and more will come as work throughout the corridor approaches the finish line.

More than 140 medallions will be installed, including 92 in Orlando; 16 in Maitland; eight in Orange County, Seminole County, and Altamonte Springs; and four in Winter Park and Eatonville.

Most of the medallions will be tan in color, but multicolored medallions are planned for Eatonville and the Maitland pedestrian bridge. 

Medallions are not the only aesthetic feature to be seen on I-4. Check out the special features page on our website to read about what’s been done and what’s to come.

 
 
 
 

Employee Spotlight: Elizabeth Molina


Click on image above to view video.
 

To Elizabeth Molina, a field roadway engineer for I-4 Ultimate, working on the project is like being at home. Elizabeth, who comes from a family of engineers, also considers the project team her family. Watch the video to learn more about Elizabeth and what she does to build a better I-4.

 
 
 
 

Kirkman Road Redesigned to Improve Connectivity in Attractions Area


 

Motorists visiting theme parks, restaurants, shopping, and hotels may have noticed the ease of access when driving through the attractions area on Interstate 4 (I-4).

The I-4 Ultimate project completely reconfigured the Kirkman Road interchange to improve the traffic flow. The former left-hand exits to Kirkman Road have been reconstructed as right-hand exits, which are more in line with what drivers expect when exiting the highway. Additionally, other ramps have been lengthened, realigned, and widened for safety and smoother traffic flow.

I-4 Ultimate also opened a new overpass that didn’t exist prior to construction. Grand National Drive was extended over I-4 to give motorists and pedestrians an alternative to Kirkman Road.

Learn more about the many improvements in this area by viewing the Kirkman Road and Grand National Drive interchange improvement handout.

To stay in the know about what improvements have been completed along the 21 miles of I-4 through Central Florida, visit I4Ultimate.com.

 
 
 
 

How to Be Safe and Prepared During Summer Travel


 

You’ve checked everything off your list for that beach trip – sunscreen, snacks, book, phone charger, change of clothes – but have you checked your vehicle to make sure it’s road ready?

AAA - The Auto Club Group expects a significant increase in the number of Americans traveling this summer, and Orlando is among the top five destinations for road trippers. If you’re ready to hit the road this year, here are some tips on how to avoid any issues and keep yourself and others safe during your trip.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recommends drivers check the following on their car before their trip:

  • Check for recalls at NHTSA.gov;
  • Inspect tires, including the spare, for any damage and to make sure the tire thread is adequate;
  • Check all fluid levels;
  • Check the brakes and listen for any grinding sound or vibration;
  • Check the battery to make sure it is fully charged;
  • Check that all headlights are working; and
  • Replace worn windshield wipers.

View or download the FLHSMV checklist for more tips.

You’ll also likely encounter some work zones or stopped emergency vehicles while traveling, and there are some Florida laws in place to help workers, public safety officials, and all road users arrive safely at their destinations.

As a reminder, drive at or below the posted speed limit when driving through work zones and put down any device while driving.  If you rely on navigational systems, remember that work zones are changing environments, and GPS may not always be accurate. Trust your eyes before electronics.

Florida’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over one lane — when safe to do so — for stopped vehicles with flashing lights, including:

  • Law enforcement;
  • Emergency (fire/rescue, ambulance, etc.);
  • Sanitation;
  • Utility service;
  • Tow trucks; and
  • Road Rangers.

If you can’t move over safely, slow to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit on a two-lane roadway, or slow to 5 mph if the speed limit is 20 mph or less.

Finally, if you encounter car issues while on your trip, remember you can dial *FHP (*347) to request a Road Ranger, who is equipped to provide services such as assisting with tire changes and other minor emergency repairs, fuel, or calling a tow truck, free of charge.