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Reps. Soto, Demings, Murphy Request FDOT Briefing on I-4 Ultimate Project Construction Delays

May 10, 2019

Today, U.S. Representatives Darren Soto (FL-09), Val Demings (FL-10), and Stephanie Murphy (FL-07) sent a letter to Secretary Kevin J. Thibault at the Florida Department of Transportation expressing concerns about the construction delays for the "I-4 Ultimate" project. Members also requested a briefing on the plans to promptly complete this critical infrastructure project.

Full text of the letter is available below and signed copy available here.

May 10, 2019

The Honorable Kevin J. Thibault
Secretary
Florida Department of Transportation
605 Suwannee Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Dear Secretary Thibault:

We write today to express our continued concerns regarding the "I-4 Ultimate" project, which will reconstruct and widen 21 miles of Interstate 4 between Orange County and Seminole County. This total estimated cost of this project exceeds $2 billion, and includes nearly $1 billion in federal support. The project was originally scheduled to be completed in early 2021. However, according to the most recent progress report prepared by the builder and submitted to the Florida Department of Transportation, the project is now running approximately nine months beyond schedule. Given the importance of this project to quality of life in Central Florida, and the significant federal investment at stake, we respectfully request a status update as soon as possible.

According to the March progress report prepared by the builder, which was made public earlier this month, the delay is the result of multiple factors, including the impact from Hurricane Irma, foundation design flaws, a cracked bridge pier, and the delayed opening of a bridge. These problems are in addition to the week-long work stoppage in February owing to the tragic death of a construction worker—the latest of several worker deaths that have occurred during construction.

We regularly hear from our constituents that the reconstruction of I-4 is complicating their commutes and compromising their safety, due to constantly-shifting and indistinct lanes, unfamiliar terrain, and the unpredictable placement of concrete barricades. Given the possibility that the project will be extended another nine months, we respectfully request a briefing on the construction delays and FDOT's plans to mitigate these delays to the greatest extent feasible.

Sincerely,

Val Demings
Stephanie Murphy
Darren Soto