$578 Million I-75 Expansion To Reduce Lee-Collier Traffic
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a $578 million investment to expand a busy section of Interstate 75 in Southwest Florida, with the goal of alleviating traffic congestion between Naples and Fort Myers.
The project will introduce an additional lane in both directions along an 18.5-mile segment of I-75, extending from Golden Gate Parkway in Collier County to Corkscrew Road in Lee County. A total of 8 lanes would be the result.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) indicates that the expansion has the potential to decrease travel times by 47%.
DeSantis announced the update on social media as a component of the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, according to a recent article by Mahmoud Bennett of FOX4.
More than 50,000 individuals travel the route between Lee and Collier each day, and many commuters express that it has turned into a daily challenge.
“Depending on the time of day, I won’t go on it at rush hour no matter what,” said Rick Timko, who commutes every day for his wildlife removal business.
“Packed. Extremely packed. We make an effort to avoid that route,” added Kurt Baker, who travels down I-75 almost every week.
Although numerous drivers acknowledged that traffic is an issue, perspectives vary on the effectiveness of the additional lanes in providing a solution.
“I believe it’s unnecessary since it will be crowded regardless–whether now or later,” Baker stated.
“I fail to see how it could be detrimental. People drive recklessly, but having six lanes could make a difference,” commented local resident Marie Hatten.
The project, according to FDOT, will enhance safety and decrease the time required for emergency evacuations. State officials project that the expansion will create a positive economic impact of $2.3 billion.
“I’m confident that more knowledgeable individuals have examined it and concluded that it will be beneficial.” I have faith in them,” Timko stated. “I believe it will enhance the commute for those in the workforce, and I fully support that,” he added.
DeSantis announced that the project is set to finish a decade earlier than planned.
Construction is anticipated to commence in 2026.
This article originally appeared on FOX4