I4 Ultimate project 9 months behind schedule, delays continue to build

Orlando, Fla. — A new report shows work on the I-4 Ultimate project is now nine months behind schedule.

The project was supposed to be complete by the beginning of next year, but currently, it won't be finished until the fall of 2021.

Setbacks for the project include a major crack in a pier holding up a portion of the I-4 roadbed over Colonial Drive, hurricanes Dorian and Irma, and major events in downtown at the Amway Center and Orlando City SC arena that workers have to wait until all the traffic clears before they can start overnight construction.

The state given the main contractor, SGL, financial incentives to finish five interchanges two months early. SGL received the bonuses for two and a partial bonus for one.

Construction around Maitland Boulevard and the SR 408 interchange were completed more than two months late. So instead of a $4.2 million bonus, SGL was penalized and has to pay an extra $4.2 million to the state.