FDOT photo
The $300 million Seminole Expressway project includes replacing five bridges and enhancing a dozen existing structures, as well as performing pavement milling and installing a drainage pond.
The article below originally appeared in and is posted with permission from:
https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com
https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/writers/cindy-riley
With a goal of increasing roadway longevity and strengthening pedestrian safety, Florida's Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) is widening Seminole Expressway/State Road (SR) 417 between Aloma Avenue/SR 426 and north of SR 434 in Seminole County.
The $300 million project includes replacing five bridges and enhancing a dozen existing structures, as well as performing pavement milling and installing a drainage pond.
"Seminole Expressway serves as a critical corridor for both local and regional travel, providing a key alternative to the heavily traveled Interstate 4 and acting as an essential emergency evacuation route," said Yasir Mercado, communications manager,
FTE - Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). "With increasing population and tourism growth in Florida, the expansion from four to eight lanes is designed to accommodate rising traffic volumes, improve mobility and enhance overall safety. The project also will contribute to more reliable travel times, better connectivity and future-proof the corridor for long-term growth."
State Road 417 (SR 417) is a controlled-access toll road forming the eastern beltway around the city of Orlando. It is owned and maintained by the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) and FTE.
According to Mercado, the project is the result of comprehensive planning, including traffic studies, environmental impact assessments, community engagement and coordination with various agencies.
"This project will serve residents, commuters, businesses and tourists by improving travel efficiency and reliability. It will benefit both commercial and personal transportation, ensuring smooth logistics for freight movement and daily commutes in Central Florida."
Construction will take place during daytime and nighttime hours. Mercado said the project's contractor is a good fit for the work taking place.
"Lane Construction is an FDOT pre-qualified contractor with extensive experience in complex transportation infrastructure projects. This includes highways, bridges and interchanges."
The project aims to relieve congestion and improve travel times through updated infrastructure. It will increase roadway resilience and longevity by upgrading 17 bridges and adding pedestrian safety features to support future population and economic growth in the state. Construction began in August 2024 and is on track to be completed by 2030.
"The primary challenge to this and many projects in Florida is weather impacts, such as frequent rain and fluctuating temperatures, which can delay activities like asphalt paving and concrete pouring by affecting curing times," said Mercado. "To mitigate this, the construction team closely monitors forecasts, adjusts schedules as needed and incorporates contingency plans to minimize delays."
Mercado noted that managing traffic along an active roadway also presents challenges.
"Construction will involve lane closures and temporary detours, but efforts are being made to minimize impacts. Most lane closures will occur during off-peak hours, and updates will be provided regularly through central and west central Florida weekly lane closures and work zone advisory."
Widening the expressway includes clearing and grubbing vegetation along the corridor; relocating existing utilities; excavating and grading to prepare the roadbed; paving new lanes and shoulders; enhancing turnpike bridges; and providing proper lighting and new pavement markings.
Phase 1 of the project is under way and involves both northbound and southbound clearing and grubbings. Specialized crews have begun relocating utilities, including overhead power lines and gas mains along Aloma Avenue.
Major upcoming tasks include excavating and grading large volumes of earth to create the expanded roadbed; reconstructing five bridges and enhancing 12 existing ones; paving the new lanes; and implementing safety features.
Excavation will involve removing 430,000 cu. yds. of material and placing 570,000 cu. yds. to build the roadbed. Approximately 140,000 cu. yds. of material will be brought in from nearby sources to support construction needs. A total of 1 million cu. yds. of earthmoving activities are expected.
In addition, Aloma Avenue/SR 426, Red Bug Lake Road and SR 434 will undergo minor resurfacing, new pavement markings and signalization upgrades.
The project will require excavators, bulldozers, motor graders, asphalt finishers, road rollers, pavers, light towers and traffic control devices. Key materials include asphalt, concrete and structural steel for bridges.
Although construction is in its early stages, Mercado said the progress being made is rewarding for everyone involved.
"This project exemplifies our mission to provide safe, reliable and resilient transportation options for Florida's residents and visitors. By addressing congestion, enhancing safety and planning for future growth, this effort will have a lasting impact on the region's economic prosperity and quality of life." CEG
