I-4 Ultimate Team Prepared for
Hurricane Season

In anticipation of the yearly hurricane season, Floridians make crucial preparations to safeguard themselves from the possibility of severe weather. It is important for everyone to gather supplies and have a safety plan in place at the onset of hurricane season, which begins in June and ends in November.

No strangers to hurricane preparedness, the I-4 Ultimate team starts well ahead of a storm ever appearing. The team locates and clearly marks electrical supplies, inventories emergency supplies, checks the availability of rental equipment, and much more.

The I-4 crew also addresses potential storm-related flooding issues. SGL Constructors — the project's contractor — works on solutions to mitigate flooding. Water pumping capacity has been increased, and crews are on duty 24/7 to promptly address water accumulation throughout the corridor.

Such thorough planning is essential, as the team has 21 miles of roadway to look after and a set of state-approved policies to follow. Those guidelines are designed to minimize damage while keeping employees safe, essential staff on duty, and emergency routes clear.

Ahead of a storm, the I‑4 Ultimate team follows its approved procedures to secure or remove traffic barrels, barricades, temporary signage, and any other items that strong winds may carry off. Depending on weather conditions, workers may also lower the overhead lights on high-mast poles.

When sustained winds are predicted to reach or exceed 35 mph, it is an indicator that storm-safety procedures should start.

After the storm subsides, the team inspects the site for damage, and then promptly gets back to its regular work schedule as soon as it is deemed safe.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) also has information and links for those who want to make sure their own severe weather plans are up-to-date.

Quiz Time! Florida’s Wireless Communications While Driving Law Two Years Later

It has been two years since Florida’s Wireless Communications While Driving Law took effect and one year since enforcement began. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) launched a safety campaign, “Put it Down: Focus on Driving,” to educate Floridians about the importance of avoiding distracted driving.

Specifically, the law states that “A person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers or symbols into a wireless communications device to text, email and instant message.” It also enables law enforcement to stop motorists and issue citations.

The law also provides for wireless communications devices in special instances. Drivers may not use such a device in a handheld manner in school or work zones. Hand-free methods are permitted.

If you think you're well-versed in the law and know when to “put it down,” try taking the quiz!

Employee Spotlight: Tim Martin

Click on image above to view video.

The I-4 Ultimate project is recycling nearly 100 percent of the concrete and steel removed from roads and bridges. There are many facets to recycling the concrete, and Tim Martin’s job as foreman and concrete batch plant operator is to make sure the trucks are properly filled with recycled concrete that can be used elsewhere. Watch the video to learn more.

Final Improvements at Fairbanks Avenue Interchange and Nearby Roads Reinforce Safety

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The Interstate 4 (I-4) and Fairbanks Avenue interchange was reconfigured to allow for enhanced safety and increased mobility as part of the I-4 Ultimate Project.

In addition to the lengthened ramps and added lanes through the area, the reconfigured interchange also made way for improvements to the local roads, such as Wymore Road.

Learn more about the many improvements in this area by viewing the video or 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.