Senior Inspector Alfredo Proano in Orlando, Florida recently went above and beyond to serve RK&K’s clients while working on a project for Florida’s Turnpike.
At a project site along the Northbound Turnpike ramp to SR 50 (Exit 272), an existing drainage inlet was clogged with debris from Hurricane Nicole. The debris caused the ramp to flood, making it inaccessible due to safety concerns.
Proano and other members of the team took initiative and waded in knee-deep water to remove the debris from the inlet, while the storm was moving through.
“They worked non-stop until they cleared the clog and water began to flow into the structure as intended. There were still high winds and rain, but they did not waiver in their efforts,” said Virgil Rook, PE, the Vice President of Civil/Site Engineering, Inc. and the Construction Project Manager.
Within 20 minutes, the water drained off the road and they were able to safely re-open the ramp to traffic.
“I believe my commitment to my work gives me a sense of responsibility all the time. I think that is part of my inspiration to resolve an issue that couldn’t wait,” said Proano. “Even though I was out of my project limits… I couldn’t leave and say, ‘that is not my business.’ I swept along the wall in the ponded water until I hit the drain and shoveled the leaves out of the way and the rest is history.”
