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Construction Begins Monday on I-4's "Fairbanks Curve"


Oct 19, 2012 | WMFE - New construction on I-4 begins Monday night, as the Florida Department of Transportation tries again to improve an accident-prone stretch of the road. Crews will be working on what's known as the "Fairbanks curve."

The westbound side of I-4 from Lee Road to Fairbanks Avenue has seen more than its share of rainy day accidents. The Florida Department of Transportation says that’s because standing water collects between those exits, where the road dips and curves.

Steve Olson of FDOT says crews will lay down asphalt, which is rougher than the current concrete and drains water off the road faster.

“That’s the game plan there – increase the friction, give the water a place to be in these heavy downpours, help with the drainage and make it safer until we come through and do the major rebuild on I-4 some time between 2014 and 2020,” explains Olson.

Earlier this year, the FDOT cut grooves into the pavement on the Fairbanks curve in an attempt to drain off water. Olson says that method did not work as well as officials expected.

Olson says the work will take about two weeks, but don’t expect lane closures during rush hour. Construction is scheduled to take place overnight, from 10:00pm to 5:30am.

 

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