Woman sues, says Interstate 4 project has harmed home

Work continues along a 21-mile stretch of Interstate 4 in Central Florida in what is known as the 1-4 Ultimate improvement project.

The project goal, according to its website, is to transform “the region to better connect our communities, boost our economy and improve everyone’s quality of life.”

One Orlando woman, however, contends the project is only worsening the quality of her life. She has sued the builder of the project, contending her house has become unlivable.

The woman said that after three years of construction, she has had to move out of the house and in with relatives.

The nearby work has interrupted her peace and quiet, and she has video to show the glasses and dishes shaking in the kitchen during some of the work. But that’s nothing compared to the cracks in the walls and ceilings of her home that have emerged since the work started. She said there is a crack across the roofline, her wood floors now are uneven and the shower wall has separated from the ceiling. The shower is unusable now because of leaks, she said.

She filed a claim with the builder, which was denied, causing her to file suit.

Local television’s WESH 2 Investigates obtained a copy of the lawsuit, which it reportedly cites negligence and strict liability and labels the project a public nuisance. Her lawsuit isn’t the first against the company, which already has paid claims for damages resulting for things such as tires ruined by potholes and cars being hit by construction debris.

A public improvement project shouldn’t have such a negative impact on local residents. This woman’s case will be interesting to watch as it makes its way through the court system.