Subject: I-4 Ultimate Project Update- Ramp closure

Dear Elected Official,

Thank you for your continued support of the I-4 Ultimate project. Together, we can build a better Interstate 4 (I-4) for the sustained economic prosperity of Central Florida. As we move through the construction process, it is my desire to keep all partners informed of new developments.

As construction ramps up, we wanted to alert you to a major closure in your area — the permanent closure of the eastbound Ivanhoe Boulevard exit ramp. Please be advised that the eastbound exit ramp will not be reopened, and eastbound drivers will need to exit at Amelia Street/State Road (SR) 50 or Princeton Street. An alternate route will be provided. The existing ramp is being eliminated as part of the new design to make room for the widened roadway and one of two direct connections between I-4 and the Express Lanes in the downtown area.

FDOT representatives are taking the necessary steps to notify local residents and businesses. Outreach efforts include, but are not limited to, a mailer detailing the ramp closure and identified alternate route; door-to-door visits with affected businesses; website updates; e-newsletter notification and social media content; news releases and media alerts; and text and email alerts. We are also coordinating with mapping and surveying offices to revise maps and GPS systems, and working with OC Alerts to post information about this important closure.

A public meeting that will provide more information is scheduled for March 25, 2015, at the Orange County School Board – Joe Davis Board Room, 445 West Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801. The meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding the construction and to view a video about the project. Additional public information meeting dates will be posted on I4Ultimate.com.

Construction on I-4 Ultimate began in February 2015. The project will rebuild 21 miles of I-4 from west of Kirkman Road in Orange County to east of SR 434 in Seminole County, add two new dynamic tolled Express Lanes in each direction, replace more than 140 bridges, reconfigure 15 major interchanges and reconstruct the entire existing roadway.

We encourage you to refer your constituents to I4Ultimate.com so they can stay informed and learn more about this transformative project. The website presents in-depth project information, including innovative features and commuting options, while live camera feeds, photos, videos and interactive maps bring the project to life.

Additional project information, including a full list of lane and ramp closures, will be posted on the website. Motorists are encouraged to sign up for project newsletters and route-specific alerts through the website to help make informed decisions about when and where to travel.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jennifer Smith, FDOT, Title VI Coordinator, 719 South Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, Florida, 32720, 386-943-5367, email: jennifer.smith2@dot.state.fl.us. Requests for special accommodations or translation services must be received at least seven days prior to the meeting.

Thank you again for your continued support of the I-4 Ultimate project.

Sincerely,

Noranne Downs, P.E.
District Five Secretary