On Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced new infrastructure projects aimed at improving the state’s highway system as part of his Moving Florida Forward Initiative.
At a news conference, DeSantis broke ground on an expansion of Interstate 75. The project includes additional lanes and redesigned roadways to ease traffic congestion.
“We’re making significant investments to reduce congestion, improve safety, and address future needs,” DeSantis said in a statement. “Our total investment in infrastructure over the next five years is going to be almost $70 billion.”
The state will add new lanes between State Road 44 and State Road 326 and construct an interchange at Northwest 49th Street in Ocala. Additional highway improvements include express lanes on Interstate 4 and Interstate 275 and a redesign of the Golden Glades Interchange on Interstate 95 in Dade County.
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue said the infrastructure projects will boost economic growth.
“It’s going to create thousands of jobs and generate over a $2 billion economic impact,” he said.
DeSantis said the upgrades, initially slated for 2035 or later, are progressing sooner due to Florida’s strong economy. The state allocated $4 billion to the initiative in 2023, with the budget expected to exceed $68 billion by 2028. Construction is anticipated to be completed within three to four years.
Source: WMNF.org, Fox 13 News
