Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a series of projects designed to reduce congestion relief in Central Florida, including 17 miles of new express lanes on Interstate 4 (I-4) in Hillsborough County and a new truck parking facility along the I-4 passageway in Polk County during a press conference in Bartow.
The governor also revealed that the state will break ground on America's first infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), an air transportation system that uses "cutting-edge" aircraft technology to transfer individuals, as well as goods and services, more efficiently through various areas. The new AAM vertiports are currently being constructed at the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) SunTrax testing facility.
“Florida’s conservative policies and sound fiscal management have produced one of the strongest economies in the nation,” DeSantis said. “Through our Moving Florida Forward initiative, we are making record infrastructure investments and completing projects ahead of schedule to meet the needs of our growing state.”
Gov. DeSantis's Moving Florida Forward initiative was also part of a similar congestion relief initiative along I-4 back in April. In all, the governor indicated the plan has accelerated major projects in the state by as much as ten to 15 years.
Presently, the 17 miles of new express lanes under the guidance of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will run from I-4 in Hillsborough County in both directions from Interstate 75 (I-75) to County Line Road.
The expansion is expected to bring "significant" congestion relief to drivers by splitting long-distance traffic from local commuter traffic, according to the governor's office. They also said the plan would open up other travel options and improve the quality of life for residents passing through the area.
Construction on the project is set to begin in 2028.
In addition, the FDOT will break ground on a new 100-space truck parking facility in Polk County at the Polk Parkway and I-4 interchange. The governor's office said the initiative will effectively utilize the existing right-of-way within the interchange area and help trucks move their goods and services more efficiently.
"Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we’ve successfully brought revolutionary congestion relief projects to life for Florida’s residents and visitors,” Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue said. “Our work to accelerate congestion relief, especially along the I-4 corridor, is a commitment we will continue to deliver on.”
