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Construction

December Sees State Road 417 Construction & Ramp Closures

2024-12-01

As the extensive expansion of State Road 417 from International Drive to State Road 528 nears its completion, which has been ongoing for approximately four years and is expected to finish by early 2025, a series of overnight ramp closures are set to take place during the first week of December. This significant construction activity is bound to have an impact on those who utilize 417 to travel north into eastern Orange County from the north side of Kissimmee.

Navigating the Overnight Closures on State Road 417

Monday Night Closure: From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

During this Monday night, December 2nd, the ramps from both northbound and southbound SR 417 to Landstar Boulevard (Exit 14) will be closed for paving. This presents a challenge for commuters as they need to find alternative routes. Drivers are directed to exit at Boggy Creek Road (Exit 17B). Alternatively, they can exit at Orange Blossom Trail, head south to Town Center Boulevard, and then turn left to reach Landstar. It's crucial for drivers to plan their routes in advance to avoid any delays.This closure is part of the larger project to expand State Road 417 and ensure its smooth flow in the future. The paving work is essential for the durability and safety of the road.

Tuesday Night Closure: From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

On Tuesday night, the focus shifts to the ramp from Boggy Creek Road to southbound SR 417. This ramp will be closed for paving from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. To navigate this closure, drivers are directed to travel northbound on SR 417 and exit at Lake Nona Boulevard (Exit 19). It's important for drivers to follow these detour instructions carefully to ensure a safe journey.These closures are temporary but do require some adjustments in travel plans. The construction team is working diligently to complete the expansion project on schedule.

Thursday and Friday Closures: From 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

From December 5th to 6th, the ramp from Orange Blossom Trail to northbound SR 417 will be closed overnight for paving. Northbound Orange Blossom Trail drivers are directed to take Deerfield Boulevard to John Young Parkway. Southbound Orange Blossom Trail drivers are guided to take Town Center Boulevard to John Young Parkway. These detour routes help keep traffic flowing during the paving work.It's advisable for commuters to stay updated on the latest construction information and plan their trips accordingly. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Tiany Sousa, the Public Information Officer, at 407-636-0209 or Construction@CFXway.com.The expansion of State Road 417 is a major undertaking that will bring significant benefits to the region. These overnight ramp closures are a necessary part of the process to ensure the quality and functionality of the road. By following the detour instructions and being patient during this construction period, we can all contribute to the successful completion of the project.

The first stage of the SH-9W construction is set to kick off tomorrow, December 2nd, precisely at 7:00 a.m. This significant undertaking will have a notable impact on the traffic flow in the area. During the construction period, SH-9W will be reduced to a single lane in each direction near I-35 in Goldsby, McClain County. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has informed us that this construction work will persist daily throughout the entire month of December. As a result, drivers using I-35 are strongly advised to make appropriate plans to avoid potential delays on Monday mornings. For those seeking to stay updated with the latest local news directly in their inbox, we invite you to sign up for our daily newsletter by clicking here.

Why This Construction Matters

The SH-9W construction is not just a routine project; it holds great significance for the local community and commuters. This construction phase is a crucial step in improving the overall transportation infrastructure in the region. By narrowing the road to one lane in each direction, the construction team can carry out essential maintenance and upgrade work. These improvements will not only enhance the safety of the road but also contribute to a more efficient traffic flow in the long run. It is an investment in the future of the area, ensuring that commuters can navigate the routes with greater ease and confidence.

Impact on Daily Commutes

The reduction of SH-9W to one lane during construction will undoubtedly have a significant impact on daily commutes. Commuters who rely on this route will need to adjust their travel plans and allow extra time for their journeys. It is essential for drivers to be aware of the potential delays and plan accordingly. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is working closely with local authorities to manage the traffic and provide timely updates to commuters. They have implemented various measures to minimize the disruption caused by the construction, such as setting up temporary traffic signals and providing detour routes. These efforts aim to ensure that the construction process proceeds smoothly while minimizing the inconvenience to the public.

Benefits of the Upgrades

Despite the temporary inconveniences during construction, the upgrades being made to SH-9W will bring numerous benefits to the community. The improved road surface will reduce wear and tear on vehicles, leading to lower maintenance costs for drivers. Additionally, the enhanced safety features, such as better signage and lighting, will make the road more secure for all users. These upgrades will also have a positive impact on the local economy by facilitating the movement of goods and services. With a more efficient transportation system, businesses can operate more smoothly, leading to increased productivity and economic growth. The long-term benefits of this construction project are far-reaching and will have a lasting impact on the region.

San Diego is witnessing a persistent issue where a decades-old actuarial calculation meant for determining an employer's workers compensation premium is being wrongly used as a safety record. This is having a significant impact on construction companies' ability to bid on projects. Sonja Guenther, senior vice president of IMA Financial Group Inc. based in Littleton, Colorado, highlighted this concern. She emphasized that the problem is especially concerning for high-risk industries as at least one-third of experience modification rating calculations for companies are erroneous. Guenther spoke at the International Risk Management Institute Inc.'s annual Construction Risk Conference in late October.

Understanding E-mods and Their Impact

E-mods, or EMRs, are multipliers used to adjust a company's workers comp premium based on past claims experience. An EMR below 1 indicates a company with below-average claims and leads to a discount, while an EMR above 1 indicates above-average claims and an additional charge. However, nuances and anomalies in data, such as a company's size or payroll crunch, can skew these numbers and result in a higher or lower score. For instance, in both energy and construction, the EMR gets unjustly used in bids to pre-qualify, leading to companies being disqualified from getting jobs even if their actual safety record is good. This is because the EMR is not truly a gauge of safety.Some states have regulations that can affect the data. For example, California excludes the first $250 of a claim from the EMR calculation to remove the incentive to not report small claims to insurers. In Colorado, vehicular accident comp claims are capped at $2,000, skewing the actual comp costs and showing employers paid less than they actually did. Employer size is another element that can positively affect the EMR as larger employers with higher payrolls have an advantage. Other factors unrelated to safety, such as the time a workers compensation policy or renewal goes into effect and claims closure data (often estimations), also go into the EMR calculation.The National Council on Compensation Insurance, which calculates rates for employers in 37 states, has taken the position that EMRs are not a company's safety record. In fact, two states in the last decade have prohibited the use of EMRs in the construction bidding process. Texas enacted a law in 2023 limiting their use, and Virginia did so in 2016. Workers comp rates are the only area where EMRs are intended to affect a company's bottom line as the score is used as a multiplier when setting rates, making a lower score advantageous.