Residents want action taken to curb deadly crashes on Orange County roads
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County said it doesn’t have what it needs right now to solve serious and often deadly traffic issues. During a four-year span, the county said 335 people have been killed in crashes, with hundreds more seriously hurt. Drivers and residents told Channel 9 that they are fed up and want action. Read: Brazil’s ex-president hospitalized in Central Florida during the country’s political riotsIn October, Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore’s office told Channel 9 it was tackling the issue with the Vision Zero Plan. Moore told Channel 9 FDOT is currently working on a $5 million project for Silver Star Road to make it more pedestrian-friendly including raised crosswalks and more lighting.
wftv.comSunRail meeting shows a new station coming to Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Plans are in the works to bring a SunRail station to the Orange County Convention Center. Officials discussed the big plans to connect Orlando further during Thursday’s public transportation meeting. FDOT said the commuter rail station would connect to the Orlando International Airport. This district will allow the community to build, pay and operate the new SunRail station without relying on taxpayer dollars. Channel 9 has reached out to Orange County but said they do not have a comment currently.
wftv.comFDOT plans for major improvements to one of Seminole Counties’ busiest intersections
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida transportation leaders said it has big plans for one of the busiest intersections in Seminole County. It’s all part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s Building a Better I-4 campaign. Photos: FDOT plans for major improvements to one of Seminole Counties’ busiest intersectionsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 FDOT plans for major improvements to one of Seminole Counties’ busiest intersectionsChannel 9 has learned that the upgrades for this project aren’t happening on the interstate. These roads lead to large subdivisions, major shopping centers, and more within just a few blocks. It wants to increase capacity at the intersection by improving select existing turn lanes and adding new ones.
wftv.comTRAFFIC ALERT: Crash shuts northbound I-95 in Volusia County
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A crash on Monday morning has all northbound lanes of Interstate 95 closed in Volusia County. The crash happened at around 6:45 a.m. near mile marker 239 near Oak Hill. Watch: FDOT, FHP troopers share holiday travel safety adviceSeveral troopers and fire rescue crews responded to the crash. All northbound lanes are closed as crews work to clean up a spill on the interstate. Read: Here are the Thanksgiving closures and changes to services in your countyIt’s unclear how long I-95 will remain closed.
wftv.comRailroad crossing: Here’s how Florida drivers, pedestrians can stay safe around train tracks
Florida Department of Transportation spokesperson David Parks said the goal this week is to show drivers across Central Florida just how easy it is to not get hit by a train by simply paying attention to existing road markings and signs.
Crash slows traffic along I-95 in Brevard County
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A crash along Interstate 95 near SR-520 in Brevard County caused major traffic delays Friday morning. Florida Highway Patrol received a report of a crash on I-95 southbound near SR-520 just after 6 a.m.Read: FDOT suspends Northern Turnpike Extension project citing ‘significant concerns’See map of location below:Officials said one lane southbound is blocked while crews work to clear the crash scene. Read: Friday’s forecast: Cloudy and hot with afternoon storms possibleStay with WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comFHP: One killed in early morning crash along I-4 in Seminole County
FHP: One killed in early morning crash along I-4 in Seminole County (FDOT)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash along Interstate 4 in Seminole County. Read: Monday’s forecast: Afternoon storms return, here’s how hot it will feelThe driver of the semi was not injured. The eastbound lanes of I-4 from Lake Mary Boulevard to SR-46A were closed while troopers investigated the crash. Read: Central Florida first responders say active shooter training is more important than everFHP says the crash is still under investigation. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comThursday’s forecast: very hot, just look at the heat index
Thursday’s forecast: very hot, just look at the heat index (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — Thursday should be a very hot day. The daytime high is 96 degrees with a heat index of 105. Read: Orlando bicyclists sound off at FDOT public meeting on Robinson Street redesign projectMeteorologist Brian Shields said since the Saharan Dust has moved into the region, the storm chance is only 20% Thursday. Read: Woman arrested in DeLand meth ring charged with manslaughter in infant son’s deathWe should have the same scorching heat pattern as we get closer to the weekend. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comPolice: One person killed in crash along I-4 near Orlando
Police: One person killed in crash along I-4 near Orlando (FDOT)ORLANDO, Fla. — Police are investigating a fatal crash on Interstate 4 near State Route 408 in Orlando Monday. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<⚠ TRAFFIC ALERT: Officers are on-scene of a fatal crash at I-4 at the SR-408 interchange. ❗ Road closures ❗Both directions of I-4 Express Lanes at SR 408. Only 1 lane remains open at WB I-4 regular lanes. Police said initial indications are that the car fell from the ramp from SR-408 and onto I-4.
wftv.comWrong-way detection systems heading to I-4 express lanes
VIDEO: Wrong-way detection systems heading to I-4 express lanes Wrong-way detection systems heading to I-4 express lanesORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Safety changes are underway on the I-4 express lanes. There have been at least two reported wrong-way driver incidents on the express lanes. WATCH: Video shows strangers stop car, rescue driver in FloridaFDOT said installation is underway for wrong-way vehicle detection systems on direct connect ramps. Those systems will flash lights and alert FDOT traffic managers and law enforcement so they can track down that wrong-way driver. Installation for those wrong-way systems take several months.
wftv.comCentral Florida community founded by freed slaves could be permanently paved over
Once known as Picketville, it was founded by freed slaves in 1865, during the “40 and a mule” era of Reconstruction. Driving around, you’re welcomed by people greeting each other by name, calling out from porches or along the paths of the community park. Once set upon miles of fields with only the town of Wildwood in sight, it now has I-75 slicing through its westernmost portion and is bordered by the Florida Turnpike to the south. See a map of the proposed development below:Sumter County development Central Florida community founded by freed slaves could be permanently paved over (wftv.com)Florida’s state government has longed to extend the Turnpike to the northwest, up toward Marion County and the Gulf Coast, to help develop the mostly rural area and provide another hurricane evacuation route. Hughes, Steele and others want the highway routed away completely, preferably through a conservation district where the road currently meets I-75.
wftv.comFDOT ‘aggressively exploring’ how to speed up adding wrong-way detection system to I-4 Express lanes
In a statement to News 6 Tuesday afternoon, FDOT spokesperson Jessica Ottaviano said the state transportation agency is now "aggressively exploring avenues" to accelerate the installation of a wrong-way vehicle detection system on all direct-connect ramps that feed traffic to and from I-4 Express lanes to and from local roads.
No wrong-way detection system in place on new I-4 Express lane ramps until next year
On Monday and Tuesday, patrol cars were stationed at the exit of the direct-connect ramp that takes drivers directly from the westbound lanes of the new I-4 Express toll lanes to Central Parkway in Altamonte Springs.
Really nice weather day ahead, temps climb into the 80s
ORLANDO, Fla. — Tuesday will be a really nice weather day. It’ll be mostly sunny with a high of 85. The average high for this time of year is 76. READ: FDOT announces opening date for I-4 Ultimate express lanesTemperatures will be in the mid-to-upper 80s all the way through the weekend. READ: Florida woman accused of stabbing husband more than 140 timesA front will move in on Monday.
wftv.comFlorida seeks public input on proposed improvements to I-4 in Orange County
The Florida Department of Transportation is seeking public input on proposed improvements to Interstate 4 in Orange County — including the Sand Lake Road interchange, Daryl Carter Parkway partial interchange improvements and extensions to I-4 managed lanes.
Semi crash shuts down parts of I-4 near Disney Springs
Semi crash shuts down parts of I-4 near Disney Springs (FDOT)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — 5:45 a.m.• A semi crash has shut down several lanes of I-4 near Disney Springs. • The crash is along I-4 eastbound near the SR-535• Fire crews with Orange County are on scene• It is unknown if there are any injuriesSee map of location below:Watch live updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Download the WFTV news app and watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for live updates on this developing story, or click here to have updates sent straight to your inbox.
wftv.comBrush fire shuts down parts of I-95 in Brevard County
Brush fire shuts down parts of I-95 in Brevard County (FDOT)BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Smoke from a wildfire has both northbound and southbound lanes blocked on I-95 near the Brevard-Indian River County line. 5/21/21, 11:37AM | #TrafficAlert: Reminder, I-95 is shut down in both directions at the southern County boarder (Palm Bay Rd. exit SB, & Fellsmere exit NB) due to a wildfire in Indian River County. pic.twitter.com/d0VLwEExdn — Brevard EOC (@BrevardEOC) May 21, 2021According to the Florida Highway Patrol, northbound traffic is being diverted off at CR-512 and southbound traffic at the St. John’s Heritage Parkway exit. READ: Hurricane Preparedness Week: How you can prepare now for hurricane seasonREAD: Arson suspected in rapidly spreading Pacific Palisades brush fire; evacuations orderedCrews from the Florida Forest Service and Indian River County Fire Rescue are on scene battling the fire.
wftv.comJohn Young Parkway under I-4 is closing nightly for the rest of February
click image Photo courtesy FDOTclick image Map courtesy FDOTJohn Young Parkway under I-4 will be closing nightly for construction starting tonight and heading through March 1.Beginning around 10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, and continuing straight through Monday, March 1, both directions of John Young under I-4 will be closing for I-4 Ultimate-related construction work. John Young will reopen in the mornings at 5 a.m.Drivers on John Young Parkway during those hours of the night will be detoured to Rio Grande Avenue by the closures. printable map of the relevant detours and rerouting options (because your GPS will most likely go silent) can be found at the I-4 Ultimate website.
orlandoweekly.comConcerns raised over lighted pedestrian crosswalks in Cocoa Beach
COCOA BEACH, Fla. – Some Cocoa Beach residents have voiced concerns over the installation of new pedestrian crosswalks with lighted beacons because they flash yellow and not red, potentially giving walkers a false sense of security as they cross a busy roadway. “We don’t want these tragic incidents to happen like what happened to Sophia.”As part of a pedestrian safety project, FDOT was proposing additional pedestrian beacons to be installed along S.R. A1A in Cocoa Beach, from Cocoa Isle Boulevard and Lucie Lane. While Cocoa Beach city leaders are voicing their disapproval of the project, FDOT moved forward with a public meeting Tuesday and said that the plans for installing the pedestrian beacons are not set in stone. The pedestrian safety project was requested by the city of Cocoa Beach in 2017.
FDOT installing signs to alert drivers when wrong-way driver is on I-4
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Crews with the Florida Department of Transportation are installing signs to alert drivers when a wrong-way driver is on Interstate 4. FDOT officials said signs will be installed in Orange County, Seminole County, and Volusia County at eight I-4 interchanges:Central Florida ParkwaySand Lake RoadLake Mary BoulevardCounty RoadS.R. 46U.S. 17-92Dirksen DriveSaxon BoulevardFDOT officials said signs will be installed in Orange County, Seminole County, and Volusia County at eight I-4 interchanges. A sign will be able to detect when a wrong-way driver hits the road and lights on wrong-way signs will flash to let the driver know they are not going in the right direction. The Regional Transportation Management Center system will also broadcast a wrong-way driver alert on electronic messaging boards on the interstate to warn other drivers.
FDOT to close portion of I-4 overnight Sunday
The Florida Department of Transportation is closing westbound Interstate 4 from Michigan Street to Orange Blossom Trail, and the westbound I-4 entrance ramp from Kaley Avenue overnight from 10 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday. [TRENDING: Florida moves to phase 3 of coronavirus reopening | Missing 11-year-old girl from Apopka found | President Trump nominates Judge Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court]The closure is occurring to install an overhead sign. Drivers on I-4 will be routed off I-4 to Michigan Street (Exit 81) to reenter westbound I-4 from Orange Blossom Trail. Drivers entering I-4 from Kaley Avenue also will be detoured to Orange Blossom Trail.
Its like a river; Residents say nearby construction project is flooding street
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. After only about an hour of rain Wednesday, residents in Seminole County said the flooding in their neighborhood turned Penelope Drive into Penelope River. That project, though not directly related, is expanding an exit in Longwood part of the I-4 Ultimate and Beyond. Two doors down Mike Werner, sent an e-mail to Seminole County officials who for the first time put out road closed signs, this after his wife stalled out in her brand new Hyundai Elantra. I think the way that you guys handle getting results, that I feel pretty confident something will happen, Barrell said. FDOT said they also have asked the contractors to implement a long term plan to make sure this doesnt happen again.
New flyover ramp opens from westbound SR-408 to westbound I-4
ORLANDO, Fla. – A new flyover ramp is open connecting westbound State Road 408 to westbound I-4. I-4 Ultimate officials call the new flyover the "crown jewel" of the project. The 120-foot tall flyover opened on Sunday. I-4 Ultimate officials said traffic is down 15% because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Drivers should avoid distractions, adjust their speed, and allow plenty of time to navigate the I-4 Ultimate work zone.”
Traffic alert: I-4 Ultimate opening Colonial ramps in final alignments
ORLANDO, Fla. Beginning Friday, the Florida Department of Transportations I-4 Ultimate project will reach another milestone with the scheduled opening of the westbound I-4 exit ramp to Colonial Drive, Exit 84, and the westbound I-4 on ramp from Colonial Drive in their final alignments, according to a news release. Colonial Drive under I-4 closes nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. until June 26. pic.twitter.com/5trm5X4AkS I-4 Ultimate and Beyond (@I4Ultimate) June 24, 2020The ramps will open to traffic as soon as 5 a.m., Friday, June 26. Westbound I-4 also shifts onto brand new travel lanes over Colonial Drive, FDOT officials said in a news release. Ivanhoe Boulevard motorists will drive across Colonial Drive before entering westbound I-4, according to officials.
FDOT issues emergency road closure of SR 35
MARION COUNTY, Fla. The Florida Department of Transportation has announced an emergency road closure on State Road 35. According to FDOT, the road closure in effect is for northbound Baseline Road. Currently, northbound Baseline Road is closed from SE 92nd Place Road to just north of Dogwood Road for emergency road work, officials said. Southbound Baseline Road remains open to traffic. From there travel east on State Road 464 to Baseline Road, FDOT said.
State Road 408 exit ramp to Orange Avenue closing for six months
Foryou would never drive without a good reason.Second, your trip on State Road 408 East-West Expressway is about to get a little bit weirder for about six months. That's how long road crews plan to close the eastbound 408 exit ramp onto Orange Ave., known as Exit 10C.The closure starts as early as 5 a.m. on Monday, April 27. During that time, crews will demolish the current Orange Ave. exit ramp and rebuild a wider one.During construction, tolls will be suspended at the eastbound 408 exit to Mills Ave. (Exit 11B). 408 exit ramp to Orange Avenue, please see the map above or this attachment The temporary u-turn at Mills Avenue is not wide enough to accommodate trucks. An alternate route via Orange Blossom Trail (U.S. 441/17-92) (Exit 9) will be dedicated for trucks.They'll likely be closing other ramps overnight in the area.
orlandoweekly.comElementary school students learn about engineering using chocolate
Elementary school students learn about engineering using chocolatePublished: February 21, 2020, 12:58 pmAs part of National Engineers Week, Florida's Turnpike engineers taught students how to build roads from the bottom up using "Chocolate Asphalt."
Elementary school students learn about engineering using chocolate
As part of National Engineers Week, Florida's Turnpike engineers taught students how to build roads from the bottom up using "Chocolate Asphalt." Thanks @ezzycastro @news6wkmg for coming to Florida's Turnpike #EWeek2020 Chocolate Asphalt event at Tildenville Elementary School! https://t.co/dPoprtXqCm @DiscoverEorg pic.twitter.com/eLiSJaxSeu — Florida's Turnpike (@FloridaTurnpike) February 21, 2020Students used ingredients like chocolate, walnuts, oats, coconut, and sugar to build their road. Banet is Florida’s Turnpike Program Director. He said doing a hands-on project like “Chocolate Asphalt” is a way to inspire young students.
After more than 100 new palm trees die along I-4, who foots the bill?
ORLANDO, Fla. - As I-4 Ultimate ramps, bridges and flyovers get finished, landscaping lining the newly renovated roadway is going in to beautify it. That includes shrubs, hedges, flowers and palm trees. Already, some of that vegetation has died, including more than 100 palm trees along Grand National Drive between the Orlando Premium Outlets and Fun Spot America. Dead palm trees along I-4Parks said FDOT is aware of the dead trees and blames the dirt. Dead palm trees along I-4"The I-4 Ultimate contract is for long-term maintenance as well as design and construction," Parks said.
Road should have been closed before FIU bridge collapse, top Florida road engineer told NTSB
Among the most radical changes: FDOT now requires local agencies, their design professionals and contractors to immediately close State Highway System facilities (e.g. On Tuesday, coinciding with the NTSB release, bridge design company FIGG pushed back against that claim in a news release, saying the accident was because of a failure by contractors to follow design plans. The FDOT changes announced Monday were made to the Local Agency Program, or LAP, manual, the document that establishes consistent and uniform practices for local agencies using FDOT funds for their projects. That statute requires all design plans and surveys to be certified by the responsible architect, engineer, surveyor or landscape architect, who must also be registered in Florida. NTSB board members will hear final investigation findings during a public hearing to be held Oct. 22 in Washington, D.C.
news-journalonline.comDrivers brace for traffic backups with I-4 construction project
SANFORD, Fla. - Drivers on Interstate 4 could see delays in Seminole County as work begins on a phase of construction at the end of the I-4 Ultimate Project. Williamson Road between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The work is part of the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate Project and will allow for widening of the interstate. FDOT said Eastbound I-4 is receiving an additional lane to accommodate traffic that will be coming from the end of the I-4 Ultimate express lanes, which are under construction. Williamson Road bridge will include a sidewalk on the eastbound side, a trail on the westbound side and bike lanes along both directions of the road.
I-4 ULTIMATE: Major traffic shift coming to I-4 and SR 436
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - A new traffic shift this weekend at the interchange of Interstate 4 and State Road 436 will take place this weekend. The move is part of the I-4 Ultimate Project and is the biggest shift to happen at the interchange. "This is the first time we will have traffic facing each other through this interchange," said David Parks, I-4 Ultimate Spokesperson. This so workers demolish the old State Road 436 bridge over Interstate 4 and continue constructing the new bridge. FDOT is getting the word out about the traffic shift through several outlets, including a new short wave radio station.
I-4 floods again in construction zone, drain blocked again
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - Sunday night, all lanes were blocked on Interstate 4 westbound in the Longwood area due to flooding for the second time in a little more than a week. FDOT said drain inlets were again blocked by trash and debris, the same reason the same area flooded on Aug.1. Monday afternoon, FDOT spokesperson Jessica Ottaviano said the contractor responsible for the $2.3 billion I-4 Ultimate project will work to prevent future flooding in the Longwood area. Sunday night's flooding was at least the sixth time I-4 construction zones have been underwater in the past few months. "The contractor is aware of the department's position, that the roadway should remain passable and flooding should not occur," Ottaviano said.
Major work on I-4 Ultimate project brings major weekend road closures at Colonial Drive
"Now it's 11, actually I have a lot of customers through the lunchtime and this time, look at that -- nobody is here," Khorromain said. The busy road in downtown Orlando is now ground zero of the I-4 Ultimate project and closed down entirely for the weekend. FDOT officials say the closure, which runs through 5 a.m. Monday, and nightly for the next three weeks, will enable I-4 Ultimate construction crews to demolish the old westbound travel lanes, making way for a new I-4 bridge that will go over Colonial Drive. Khorromain hopes, for the sake of his business, that doesn't happen. "I know for the future it's going to be nice," Khorromain said.