The Central Florida Expressway Authority‘s (CFX) new State Road 429 & State Road 453 interchange was named “Expressway Authority Project of the Year” by the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA). Opened in March 2018, the interchange provides a vital link to State Road 46, offering Wekiva Parkway travelers greater accessibility to Mount Dora and suburban neighborhoods in Lake County.
CFX will receive the honor at FTBA’s 2019 Best In Construction Awards presentation in August.
The interchange’s third-level ramp is the first bridge in Florida to be built with a series of curved haunched concrete U-beams that were post-tensioned. A new innovation in bridge construction, curved haunched concrete U-beams allow for longer spans between supports and are more economical to use in construction and maintain than traditional curved bridge structures fabricated with steel plate or box girders.
“We’re very proud of pioneering this innovative new bridge technology and CFX is honored to be a recipient of this award,” said Glenn Pressimone, PE, CFX’s chief of infrastructure.
The Best in Construction awards highlight some of the most innovative, complex, and impactful projects from around the state each year. The lead contractor, Apopka-based Southland Construction, will also be honored at the FTBA’s 2019 awards presentation. The construction engineering and inspection firm (CEI), A2 Group Inc., served as the owner’s rep and was also an integral player in the success of the project. The Southland and A2 Group teams shared CFX’s commitment to excellence, innovation and quality standards, while delivering the project on time and within budget.
The State Road 453 interchange is part of CFX’s sections of the 25-mile Wekiva Parkway, completing Central Florida’s beltway. The State Road 453 interchange connects with the Wekiva Parkway near Ondich Road and Plymouth Sorrento Road (County Road 437) in western Orange County. The interchange features eco-stained stone relief on bridge columns, scalloped pedestrian railing and other aesthetic enhancements designed to complement the scenic terrain surrounding it.