Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the completion of a 100-million-dollar interchange project at the intersection of I-95 and Oslo Road while speaking at a press conference in Indian River County this week.
The governor added the project is one-year ahead of schedule.
"This is the first new interchange built in this area in almost 50 years, so this is going to bring new critical connection to I-95 for a part of the state that has changed quite a bit," DeSantis said. "It also drastically reduced congestion on nearby interchanges at Indrio Road and State Road 60. With this new direct access to 95, drivers needing to get to the interstate from Oslo Road can now expect to see their drive times cut in half, meaning less time spent in traffic and more places they actually want to be."
Gov. DeSantis added the project's importance will help with vehicle congestion in the corridor, which is expected to significantly grow between now and 2045. It's also part of a 7-billon plan under the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative.
"The Oslo Road interchange sets a clear example of how Florida delivers infrastructure that improves quality of life today while building more capacity for the future. In addition to everyday drivers feeling these quicker travel times, the new Oslo Road interchange will also bring major benefits for emergency response efforts and movement along our supply chain," DeSantis continued.
Gov. DeSantis said the emergency response time will be 56 percent. He also added the interchange could help as a potential Hurricane evacuation route.
In addition, DeSantis said the project will include a right-of-way near the interchange for a Gopher Tortoise habitat. Gopher Tortoises are a protected species in Florida.
"The area will serve as the only relocation site of its kind in Southeast Florida. Florida showing that it's possible to do the projects that we need done while also buttressing environmental stewardship, and that's what we've done on so many projects throughout my time here as governor," DeSantis said.
DeSantis announced the completion of a similar project in Sarasota County last week.
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, P.E. joined DeSantis in praising the project.
"There's so many great benefits to it. One of those that is especially meaningful and important is first responder access to I-95, every single second counts when it comes to saving lives, and this is going to reduce the time it takes for first responders to get to incidents substantially," Perdue said.
