201215-3 I-4 at SR 557 Interchange Improvements
Project Details
Work Type: | Interchange Construction |
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Phase: | Construction |
Limits: | Exit 48 |
City: | |
County: | |
Road: | |
Construction Cost: | $70,460,250 |
Start of Current Phase: | Late 2020 |
Est. Completion of Current Phase: | Early 2024 |
About
Project Description
The Design-Build Team is in the process of replacing the existing partial cloverleaf interchange with a new diamond configuration. The new interchange is designed to improve traffic circulation and enhance safety, emergency access, and truck access in Polk County, Florida. The project is located at Exit 48 along the I-4 corridor.
The intent of the project is to prepare the median along I-4 to accommodate the future I-4 Master Plan (Ultimate) improvements with provisions for special purpose (express) lanes and a high-speed rail (HSR) corridor. The existing eastbound and westbound general use travel lanes will be moved to the outside to coincide with the I-4 Ultimate alignment.
SR 557 will be widened to four travel lanes, two in each direction within the limits of the state's limited access right-of-way, with roadway transitions to the existing two-lane County Road (CR 557), north and south of the interchange.
The old two-lane bridge over I-4 has been demolished and replaced with a new four lane bridge that accommodates the necessary horizontal and vertical clearances over the I-4 Ultimate corridor. Motorists are now using the new bridge including the new dual teardrop shaped roundabouts that provide access to and from SR 557 at the I-4 on and off-ramps. Motorists should expect several changes to the traffic pattern and use caution as crews continue working on the new ramps and new eastbound lanes, all while keeping traffic flowing during construction.
Other improvements at the new interchange include a new wildlife crossing under the interstate just east of the interchange to allow wildlife to safely cross between the north and south sides of I-4, emergency stopping locations on both the I-4 off-ramps to SR 557 and new conventional lighting along I-4 and SR 557.
For 50 years animals on either side of I-4 have been separated. The addition of the wildlife crossing is significant in providing safe passage for animals to access protected lands on both sides of the interstate, while also protecting drivers from crashes that may otherwise occur when animals do attempt to cross the roadway.
Public Involvement
Public Involvement
A public hearing was held on Thursday, October 23, 2020 to present proposed access changes on SR 557 south of Interstate 4. If you have questions regarding the information presented at the public hearing, please contact the FDOT design project manager, Douglas J. Burkhart, P.E., at (813) 402-4150 or by e-mail at Doug.Burkhart@dot.state.fl.us.
Public Information
Our goal is to keep you informed about the progress of the project. If you have questions about the project during construction, please contact Community Outreach Manager, Sandra Mancil at (863) 519-4116 or by email at Sandra.Mancil@dot.state.fl.us.
Please note that under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail.
Contact Information
Communications Team |
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Sandra Mancil
863-519-4116
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For Media Inquiries Only |
fdot-d1comm@dot.state.fl.us
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RoadWatch
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Sunday, May 12 through Saturday, May 18, 2024
This week the contractor will be paving I4 and entrance and exit ramps.
- Expect double lane closures on I-4 westbound at night/overnight, Monday and Tuesday nights, May 13 and 14. Use caution and be prepared to merge.
- Expect I4 westbound on-ramp closures, Monday and Tuesday, May 13 and 14 and Thursday, May 16. Follow the posted detour using CR 557 south to CR 557A west to SR 559 (Exit 44) to enter I4 westbound.
- Expect I4 westbound off-ramp closures, Monday and Tuesday, May 13 and 14 and Thursday, May 16. Follow the posted detour staying on I-4 and exiting at SR 559 (Exit 44) north to CR 557A back to CR 557.
- Expect I4 eastbound on-ramp closure, Wednesday, May 15. Follow the posted detour using SR 557 to CR 557A west to SR 559 (Exit 44) south to I4 entrance ramp at SR 559.
- Expect I4 eastbound off-ramp closure, Wednesday, May 15. Follow the posted detour by exiting I4 at SR 559 north to CR 557A, back to CR 557.
- Use caution and expect delays.