ORLANDO, Fla. — An investigation is underway after heavy rain caused serious flooding Thursday in the middle of the I-4 Ultimate project.
The Florida Department of Transportation said it is holding contractors responsible after standing water on the interstate caused major traffic troubles during rush hour.
FDOT officials said the standing water between Fairbanks Avenue and Princeton Street was unacceptable and they are working to get to the bottom of the problem as Florida’s rainy season approaches.
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After nearly 3 inches of rain fell in a short amount of time, drivers had to slow to a crawl as muddy water started rising on the busy highway.
"Lightning first, it was heavy, and then it just started coming down hard,” said driver Ewan Bailey.
FDOT met with I-4 Ultimate project leaders and ordered a full investigation into the flooding.
They're focusing on drainage and underground piping in the area.
Officials said issues discovered during the initial and longer-term review will be acted upon and corrected immediately.
FDOT said it will require contractors to have workers with pumps standing by in case flooding happens again.
U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee, said driving in flooding like Thursday's would be frightening.
"We need to get this drainage issue fixed as we get into the rainy season, or else we could see people get injured or even worse," Soto said.
Soto is also worried the I-4 Ultimate project is being poorly managed and that will cost Central Florida opportunities for more federal road funding in the future.
Crews first started to overhaul the Maitland Boulevard interchange in 2015.
I-4 flooded four times in March 2018 and May 2018 at Kaley Avenue and Florida's Turnpike. FDOT said
then that the contractor was penalized because of what happened.
The same part of I-4 that flooded Thursday experienced flooding in March. FDOT said then that a contractor was assigned to ensure the drains were clear.
Read FDOT's full statement below:
"Sections of the I-4 Ultimate construction corridor experienced flooding during periods of intense rainfall Thursday evening. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is determining the extent and impacts to the traveling public, private property as well as safety considerations. FDOT will make appropriate assessments and require a plan of action from the contractor."
Cox Media Group
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