Rapid population growth in Central Florida created significant congestion challenges along key roadways. The Wekiva Parkway Section 8 project addressed these issues by completing a 25-mile beltway segment, connecting I-4 with SR 417 and SR 429 through a system-to-system interchange. The project improved traffic flow, regional connectivity and safety while accommodating future growth.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Five’s goals extended beyond congestion relief, emphasizing safety, community partnership, environmental stewardship and schedule acceleration through design-build delivery. The innovative interchange redesign shifted I-4 alignment to improve traffic flow, simplify temporary traffic control and enable offline construction, enhancing safety during and after construction.
A Model of Design-Build Innovation for Regional Mobility
Strong collaboration with numerous stakeholders, including Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, Seminole County and environmental agencies, resulted in enhanced aesthetics, landscaping, lighting and noise mitigation features that harmonize with the community and environment. The design minimized impervious surfaces, preserved wetlands and reused existing infrastructure, underscoring a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Using design-build saved $75 million, reduced bridge deck area by 200,000 sq. ft., preserved four existing bridges and supported a performance-based approach to innovation. Early approvals and shared risk management accelerated the Interchange Modification Report completion to just 11 months, significantly faster than typical timelines.
Offering stipends to non-selected teams supported fair competition and encouraged creative Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs), driving cost savings and innovative solutions. The Wekiva Parkway Section 8 Interchange exemplifies how design-build delivery can overcome complex regulatory and technical challenges through partnership, innovation and proactive risk management. The project’s triple bottom line impact makes it a national model for future infrastructure projects.
Design-Build Team
| Client/Owner: | Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District Five |
| Owner Advisor: | Metric Engineering, Inc. |
| Design-Builder: | The Lane Construction Corporation |
| Engineer: | DRMP, Inc. |
| Subcontractors: | Ardaman & Associates, Inc.; BCC Engineering, Inc.; Bentley Architects and Engineers, Inc. (Now Bentley Group, Inc.); Brindley Pieters and Associates, Inc.; Maylor Foundation Contractors |
| Project Cost: | $282,000,000 |
| Construction Duration: | 68 Months |
Photos
Photo Credits: Noah Densmore; Aerial Innovations; Matt Keller (Lane Construction)