Skanska, a global construction and development firm, has announced it was selected to lead the reconstruction of Interstate 4 (I-4) at State Road 557 (SR 557) interchange in Central Florida, a $70.5 million design build project on behalf of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Construction is projected to begin in September 2020 and completion is slated for summer 2023.
The design and reconstruction will transform the interchange from an existing partial cloverleaf interchange configuration to a diamond interchange. A new bridge will be constructed to carry SR 557 traffic over the newly widened I-4 to accommodate future tolled express lanes and a high-speed rail (HSR) corridor. The roadway project, designed by engineering firm DRMP, will be a major improvement to the traffic patterns and enhance motorist safety.
“With Florida’s population steadily rising, the state’s infrastructure needs improvements to accommodate the pace of growth and increase motorist safety, particularly in the Central Florida region,” says Brian Stieritz, executive vice president of Southeast operations for Skanska USA Civil. “These roadway improvements along I-4 at the interchange will offer the more than 100,000 motorists who use this roadway daily a safer and more efficient driving experience for decades to come.”
Additionally, two new bridges will be constructed on I-4 to allow for wildlife crossings between the natural areas to the north and south of the project. Wildlife fencing will be provided along the I-4 limited access right-of-way line to channelize wildlife movement.
Currently Skanska is building two additional projects on behalf of FDOT: the more than $400 million re-build of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, Florida and the $2.3 billion I-4 Ultimate project in Central Florida, where Skanska is the leading partner in the joint venture of Skanska, Granite and Lane.