ORLANDO, Fla. — Flooding on Interstate 4 has been an increasing problem, and state transportation officials have been tight-lipped when asked for solutions.
- Flooding on I-4 is posing problems for drivers
- Issues happening near Ivanhoe Boulevard downtown
- Residents, drivers looking to FDOT for fixes
- Spectrum News 13 Traffic News
Thursday's flooding rain on I-4 covered all three lanes of the interstate, near Ivanhoe Boulevard downtown.
Each time flooding like this happens, Spectrum News 13 has asked the Florida Department of Transportation for an on-camera interview to ask specifically what is being done to hold the contractor accountable for not resolving this problem.
But still, no answers.
Rain on Thursday led to flooding across Central Florida, bringing I-4 traffic to a near standstill during the height of rush hour.
“When we have rains, it is so bad,” said Poliana, who asked that her last name not be used.
Poliana was one of the many drivers fighting flood waters on I-4 near Ivanhoe Boulevard. She wants the flooding problems fixed, saying the water on the highway means a longer commute for her.
“More issues, more problems, more late," she said.
Flooding problems on I-4 were first reported a little more than a year ago, and since then, we’ve tried speaking with FDOT on the record about the ongoing issues.
The problem is even spilling into nearby communities.
“We had an issue in our neighborhood which also had a bit of flooding, because everyone was on the surface streets vs. I-4,” Julia Connolly said.
Hours after our requests for comment via email and phone, FDOT emailed a statement: “A full investigation is now underway as to the causes of flooding that occurred Thursday evening along the I-4 construction corridor in the College Park area.”
The statement did not address whether officials would speak on camera with us.
It goes on to say, "Initial focus is on the functionality of drainage inlets and underground piping in the specific construction area where flooding was an issue.”
FDOT then sent us an additional statement saying, in part, “Issues discovered during the initial and longer-term review will be acted upon and corrected immediately by the contract in an effort to reduce vulnerability to flooding.”
Still, Poliana is ready to see a permanent fix happen soon. FDOT says any repairs will be made at no cost to the agency. Officials also say that with more rain expected over the next few days, contractors are standing ready to address problems.