Construction Schedules Announced for Major Interstate 275 (I-275),
Interstate 75 (I-75), and State Road 70 Projects
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) joined Senate Transportation Chair Nick DiCeglie and House Transportation & Modals Chair Fiona McFarland to announce important updates on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, including expected construction timelines for the following projects: I-275 from 38th Ave. to 4th St., I-75 at Fruitville Rd. Interchange, and S.R. 70 from Bourdside Blvd. to Waterbury Rd.
Proposed to the Legislature in January 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative will accelerate priority infrastructure projects across the state through an allocation of $4 Billion from the General Revenue Surplus starting in the 2023-2024 budget year. These projects are slated to address congestion, improve safety, ensure a resilient transportation system, enhance the supply chain and economic growth, and address future needs as the state continues to experience rapid growth.
“As the number of motorists on Florida’s roadways continues to grow, our infrastructure must be able to grow with it to accommodate the influx of new residents and visitors to our great state,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “With the unwavering leadership of Governor DeSantis and the support of the Legislature, FDOT is excited to bring these vital projects to life to help bring congestion relief to Florida’s families across the state.”
“The state of Florida has approximately 600 people moving to our great state every day,” said Chair Nick DiCeglie. “Governor DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward plan focuses on critical infrastructure improvements that will provide congestion relief, enhance economic development, and increase safety.
Traffic complaints and driver safety concerns are the number one thing I hear about from Floridians in my role as chair of the House Transportation Subcommittee,” said Chair Fiona McFarland. “These “Moving Florida Forward” investments will address both of those concerns, guaranteeing our transportation infrastructure is keeping pace with the demands of all our residents and visitors.
Interstate 275 (I-275) Widening from 38th Avenue North to 4th Street North: This project will widen I-275 to add two tolled express lanes in each direction from 38th Avenue N to south of Gandy Boulevard and one additional tolled express lane in each direction from south of Gandy Boulevard to 4th Street N. A new multi-use trail will be built along Ulmerton Road from I-275 to Feather Sound Drive and the roadway and trail improvements will tie into the Gateway Expressway and Howard Frankland Bridge reconstruction projects that are currently in construction. Construction starts in Summer 2025.
Interstate 75 (I-75) at Fruitville Rd. Interchange
This project includes reconstruction of the interchange at Fruitville Road in Sarasota County from the existing partial cloverleaf configuration to a diverging diamond interchange. The project will widen about 2 miles of I-75, from Palmer Boulevard to north of Fruitville Road through reconstruction of the existing 6-lane highway and the addition of auxiliary lanes and will replace the existing bridges over Fruitville Road. The project will also include widening of about 1.6 miles of Fruitville Road from Honore Avenue to east of Coburn Road. Construction starts in Fall 2024.
State Road 70 (S.R. 70) from Bourneside Blvd. to Waterbury Rd.
This project will widen S.R. 70 from Bourneside Boulevard to Waterbury Road from a two-lane undivided facility to a four-lane divided roadway. S.R. 70 is a principal arterial and a primary eastwest highway for Manatee County and provides regional access to employment centers, agricultural lands, and residential areas across the state. SR 70 is also an east-west evacuation route. The project will include intersection improvements as well as bicycle and pedestrian enhancements. Construction starts in Fall 2024.
“Widening I-275 to add express lanes from 38th Ave. N to 4th St. N will help improve access and regional connectivity along the corridor,” said FDOT District Seven Secretary David Gwynn. “This project, when combined with the Howard Frankland Bridge, Gateway, and Westshore Interchange projects, will continue the development of an express lane system between downtown Tampa, downtown St. Pete, Tampa International Airport and the Gateway and Westshore business districts.”
“Florida’s future hinges on Sarasota County’s bold initiative: revolutionizing our I-75 and Fruitville (SR780) interchange and Manatee’s State Road 70 from Bourdside Boulevard to Waterbury Road,” said L.K. Nandam, FDOT District One Secretary. “With cutting-edge technology, we forge a resilient infrastructure, safeguard lives, fortify supply chains, and nurture prosperity. It’s our answer to the relentless calls, resonating needs, and palpable urgency of our time.”
With construction soon beginning on projects across the state, motorists are encouraged to always drive with caution and slow down in and around work zones. Let’s get everyone, including our workers, home safely.
For more information on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, including additional project details, please visit https://www.fdot.gov/movingfloridaforward/.
