Florida accelerates I-75 expansion to reduce congestion and improve road safety
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a major expansion of Interstate 75 to reduce congestion and improve road safety. Part of the "Moving Florida Forward" initiative, the project includes adding new lanes and upgrading infrastructure.
The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, has announced an ambitious expansion of Interstate 75 (I-75) as part of the "Moving Florida Forward" initiative. This project, which includes adding new lanes and improving key infrastructure, aims to ease traffic congestion and boost the state's economic development. Thanks to a significant investment, construction will begin much earlier than expected, benefiting millions of drivers and tourists who use this major highway daily.
I-75 is one of Florida's busiest highways, serving as a crucial corridor for residents, visitors, and as an evacuation route during weather emergencies. With population growth and increased tourism, demand on this road has surged, making its expansion and modernization essential to ensuring safer and more efficient travel.
DeSantis fast-tracks plans to expand I-75 lanes in Central Florida. Photo: WUFT.
Key details of the I-75 expansion
The expansion plan for I-75 focuses on two main sections:
- Collier to Lee Counties: This segment, stretching from Golden Gate Parkway in Collier County to Corkscrew Road in Lee County, covers approximately 28 kilometers. The project will add one lane in each direction, expanding the highway from six to eight lanes, along with auxiliary lanes to improve traffic flow. The estimated investment for this section is $578 million, with construction set to begin in 2026.
- Wildwood to Ocala: This 49-kilometer stretch runs from State Road 44 in Wildwood to State Road 326 in Ocala, passing through Sumter and Marion counties. Additional auxiliary lanes will be added in both directions, and key interchanges will be upgraded to optimize highway capacity and safety.
The I-75 expansion is designed not only to reduce travel times and traffic congestion but also to stimulate regional economic growth. According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), these improvements are expected to enhance commerce and tourism, generating a significant economic impact on local communities. Additionally, modernizing road infrastructure is crucial for maintaining the state's competitiveness and improving residents' quality of life.
Project acceleration through "Moving Florida Forward"
Launched in 2023, the "Moving Florida Forward" initiative aims to identify and fast-track critical road projects across the state. Thanks to prudent fiscal management, $4 billion from the state’s general revenue surplus has been allocated to fund and accelerate these projects. As a result, developments like the I-75 expansion, initially scheduled for a decade or more in the future, will now begin in the coming years, providing faster relief to congestion and road safety challenges.
In addition to the I-75 expansion, "Moving Florida Forward" includes other key projects, such as adding lanes to I-4 in Polk and Osceola counties and improving the Golden Glades Interchange on I-95 in Miami-Dade County. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive effort to address mobility challenges in the state, ensuring that Florida's transportation infrastructure meets both current and future demands.
The expansion of I-75 represents a crucial step in modernizing Florida’s road network, addressing the needs of a growing population and constant tourist flow. With strategic investments and proactive planning, the state is positioning itself to provide a more efficient, safer transportation system capable of sustaining long-term economic growth.