Florida moves forward with $700 million Southwest Florida road improvements
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez announced on Monday timelines for four large roadway improvements for portions of Southwest Florida.
The projects announced Monday total more than $700 million and span across Lee and Collier Counties.
“Every day, more and more families are moving to Florida because of Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership and fiscally sound policies that invest in infrastructure,” Nuñez said.
The funds come from DeSantis’ proposed budget as approved by state lawmakers, the infrastructure portion dubbed the “Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiatve.” In total, $4 billion was allocated for these kinds of projects.
“As Florida continues to experience unprecedented growth, the Moving Florida Forward Initiative will relieve congestion, enhance safety across our state, promote economic growth, and provide a more resilient transportation infrastructure that Florida families will be able to rely on for generations to come,” the lieutenant governor said.
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, who played a large part in obtaining the funding for Florida’s infrastructure improvements, said the funds constitute a “culmination of years of collaboration between FDOT, legislators, communities, and partners, all driven by a shared vision.”
“It’s our response to the resounding calls and undeniable needs of our time,” Passidomo said. “The transportation industry stands poised for this moment, and together with FDOT, we are resolute in our mission to propel Florida forward.”
The governor’s office said the traffic improvements will address congestion, bolster safety, work to improve the state’s supply chain and economics, along with addressing local needs as the population grows.
One project will remodel the interchange at I-75 and Pine Ride Road into a diverging diamond, slated to begin in early 2025.
Another project will renovate I-75 from Golden Gate Parkway to Corkscrew Road – spanning over 18 miles – to include an added general-use lane, bringing the total two-way interstate to eight lanes. Construction begins Fall 2027.
An additional project will take place on State Road 29 from County Road 846 East to New Market Road towards Immokalee. The governor’s office said the project will renovate 29 into a four-lane divided roadway. It will begin in Spring 2027.
The fourth announced project will involve State Road 29 from New Market Road to State Road 82. It will widen a segment of 29 with additional improvements, beginning in Spring 2027.
“Our communities have been asking for congestion relief on their roadways, and Governor DeSantis has been listening,” said Jared Perdue, Florida Department of Transportation secretary.
“With funding now secured thanks to the valued support from the Legislature, FDOT, and our industry partners are prepared and ready to get to work to accelerate these projects so families can spend less time in traffic and more time in the places they want to be,” he said.
The governor’s office urged Florida drivers to drive with caution and be careful around construction workers and zones.
