RangerCrewMoves140,000Cu.Yds.ofDirttoWidenParkway

POLK from page 37

French noted the biggest challenges to date have involved material supply chain issues and impacts to the workforce. Current construction activities include roadway base placing and compacting, paving, constructing electronic tolling sites, installing signals at the intersection of Berkley and Braddock Road and installing guardrail.

“New westbound lanes for the Polk Parkway have been constructed, as well as a new westbound bridge over Old Dixie Highway. Drainage ponds and associated infrastructure also are complete. Westbound Braddock Road has been widened from two to four lanes. New Polk Parkway ramps have been constructed at Braddock Road, but they will not open until the electronic tolling sites are complete at the interchange. Intelligent Transportation System [ITS] infrastructure has also been installed.”

To resurface the existing four-lane portions between U.S. 92 and I-4, the asphalt is removed using milling machines and new asphalt is placed in separate lifts. Final striping will be installed after the final friction course is paved.

According to French, the project has not experienced major weather problems so far; however, the rainy season can delay work activities such as earthwork and asphalt operations. He also said site work has progressed in a safe manner.

“Since the widening, including constructing new roadway, this has allowed the contractor to work in an open area away from traffic. With subsequent phases where the existing roadway needed to be reconstructed, traffic was switched to the new lanes, which again allowed the contractor to work in an area away from traffic.”

Approximately 140,000 cu. yds. of excavation and 331,000 cu. yds. of embankment have been moved during construction. Track hoes, off-road dump trucks, front-end loaders, motor graders, dozers, cranes, asphalt paving machines and milling machines are among the equipment needed, with the project also requiring embankment, lime rock base, asphalt, electronic components and materials and additional aggregates.

French said overseeing construction that will serve so many for years to come is a big responsibility but is extremely rewarding as well.

“It’s an honor to serve the people of central Florida by providing a transportation project that will increase capacity and safety for commuters and travelers in our fast-growing state.”  CEG