The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) April 19 accepted qualifications from seven proposers for the I-4 managed lanes project in Orlando. FDOT says it intends to shortlist three teams on May 10 for the $2.1-billion availability-pay project, but reserves the right to select four to submit proposals in early 2014. All unsuccessful, responsive bidders will be paid a $2 million stipend.

Funding is lined up, and environmental permits and 97% of the right-of-way are in hand for a major expansion of the highly congested 21-mile corridor. URS is updating favorable toll revenue forecasts, and the design is 60% complete.