I-4 at SR 557 Improvements Project
As population growth and the number of visitors surrounding the Interstate 4 (I-4) corridor rapidly increases, there is a need to widen I-4 at the State Road 557 interchange in Polk County, Fla., and accommodate alternate modes of transportation, including High-Speed Rail (HSR). Additionally, when I-4 was originally constructed, it split the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area, preventing wildlife’s safe passage through the entire area.
DRMP is the Engineer of Record for this $70.5 million design-build project that realigns nearly two miles of I-4 to the outside to accommodate for the future typical section and HSR. The project will also convert the SR 557 interchange from a partial cloverleaf interchange to a diamond interchange with dual tear-drop roundabouts and emergency stopping areas on both I-4 ramps. SR 557 will be widened from two lanes to four lanes. DRMP’s structural engineers are providing design services for three new bridges: a new 4-lane SR 557 bridge over I-4 using Florida-I 84 Beams, two wildlife crossing bridges along I-4 using Florida-I-36 beams, and a new SR 557 wildlife culvert crossing. To redevelop the applicable roadway and bridges, the project includes drainage, environmental, permitting, signing and pavement markings, intelligent transportation systems, and lighting services.
The DRMP team’s innovative alternative technical concepts included a shift of the SR 557 bridge that expedited the project schedule and saved $1 million in project costs for FDOT District One. The proposed solution accommodates for the HSR Corridor and I-4 Master Plan (Ultimate) Typical Section. It also prioritizes the reconnection of the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area with the first wildlife crossing in Polk County. This reconnection will allow wildlife to safely cross the corridor. Ultimately, DRMP’s design work minimizes impacts to the traveling public, environment, and utilities, as well as enhances safety for travelers and wildlife.
