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FDOT Releases Construction Timelines for Moving Florida Forward Projects

Major Interstate 75 (I-75) and U.S. 301 Projects Ready to Start Construction in 2025

OCALA, FL– Today, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced important updates on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, including expected construction timelines for the following projects: I-75 from State Road 44 to State Road 326 and U.S. 301 from County Road 470 to Florida’s Turnpike.

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 investment 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.

“Accelerated timelines for projects included in the Moving Florida Forward Initiative will help alleviate congestion on our roadways much sooner as our state’s population continues to grow exponentially,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “With Governor DeSantis’ bold vision and backing from the Legislature, FDOT and our partners stand poised and ready to begin these projects within the next four years to bring the relief that communities have been asking for.”

“I-75 is a critical route for our state, for tourists visiting Florida, and for the freight industry serving our businesses and residents,” said Lt. Patrick Riordan, Florida Highway Patrol Troop B Public Affairs Officer. “Data shows at least one lane of I-75 is closed every 16 hours due to crashes, and the addition of these auxiliary lanes will help with traffic congestion and make the interstate safer, not only for our FHP members but all road users.”

Interstate 75 (I-75) from State Road (S.R.) 44 to S.R. 326: This project involves adding auxiliary lanes to I-75 in each direction between S.R. 44 and S.R. 326. It will include interchange modifications and right-of-way acquisition for future widening. Construction starts in Spring 2025.

U.S. 301 from County Road (C.R.) 470 to Florida’s Turnpike: The project will reconstruct U.S. 301 from C.R. 470 to Florida’s Turnpike between the cities of Sumterville and Wildwood to increase the roadway capacity, respond to future travel demand, improve overall safety, and accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. The project includes realigning the roadway around the City of Coleman to avoid impacts to the City’s downtown businesses. Construction starts in Fall 2025.

“The 31 miles of new auxiliary lanes will be a positive step toward improving mobility and safety on I-75 through Marion and Sumter counties,” said FDOT District Five Secretary John Tyler. “While Moving Florida Forward provides projects on major interstates such as I-75, it also addresses needs on arterial roadways such as U.S. 301 in Sumter County. This project will widen and realign U.S. 301 to increase capacity, respond to future travel demand, and improve overall safety.”

With construction soon beginning on projects across the state, motorists are encouraged to always drive with caution and slowdown 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/.