Governor Ron DeSantis unveils major new projects to reduce traffic congestion and improve transportation in Central Florida
Bartow, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled significant new infrastructure projects on Wednesday aimed at relieving congestion and supporting the growing transportation needs of Central Florida. The announcement highlights a suite of initiatives, including 17 miles of new express lanes along Interstate 4 in Hillsborough County, a dedicated truck parking facility in Polk County, and the groundbreaking of the nation’s first Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure.
“Florida’s conservative policies and sound fiscal management have produced one of the strongest economies in the nation,” Governor DeSantis said. “Through our Moving Florida Forward initiative, we are making record infrastructure investments and completing projects ahead of schedule to meet the needs of our growing state.”
The I-4 corridor, one of Florida’s busiest travel and freight routes, will see a major transformation with the construction of 17 miles of express lanes in both directions from Interstate 75 to County Line Road. By separating long-distance traffic from local commuter traffic, these lanes are expected to significantly reduce congestion and provide more reliable travel times for residents and visitors alike. According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), this project has been programmed into the state’s pipeline and accelerated by ten years, with construction set to begin in 2028.
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we’ve successfully brought revolutionary congestion relief projects to life for Florida’s residents and visitors,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Our work to accelerate congestion relief, especially along the I-4 corridor, is a commitment we will continue to deliver on.”
In addition to express lanes for commuters, Florida is addressing critical needs for freight traffic along the corridor. The state plans to construct a 100-space truck parking facility in Polk County at the Polk Parkway and I-4 interchange. With trucks moving roughly 75 percent of Florida’s freight, the facility will alleviate one of the state’s largest truck parking deficits. The project demonstrates fiscal prudence, utilizing existing right-of-way within the interchange to maximize resources while supporting the trucking industry, a key component of Florida’s economy.
Governor DeSantis’ announcement also marks a major step forward in Florida’s embrace of advanced transportation technologies. Construction is underway on the first of two Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) vertiports at the FDOT’s SunTrax testing facility. These vertiports will form the backbone of a statewide network of interconnected commercial aerial hubs, creating the nation’s first AAM test bed with dedicated airspace. The initiative is designed to accelerate research, development, and innovation in this emerging mode of transportation. FDOT has indicated that additional updates regarding Florida’s AAM projects will be shared in the coming months.
These initiatives are part of the broader Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, which aims to complete critical transportation projects up to 15 years ahead of schedule. By focusing on congestion relief, freight mobility, and next-generation transportation, the state is positioning itself as a leader in infrastructure innovation.
The governor emphasized that these projects will improve quality of life for residents by reducing traffic delays, enhancing safety, and providing modern options for both commuters and commercial transportation. With Central Florida experiencing rapid population and economic growth, the timing of these projects is crucial.
Residents, commuters, and industry leaders alike are watching closely as Florida moves forward with these ambitious plans. From express lanes to truck parking and futuristic vertiports, the state is making clear its commitment to easing congestion, supporting economic growth, and pioneering the next generation of transportation solutions.
Governor DeSantis’ announcement in Bartow reflects a strategic combination of immediate infrastructure improvements and long-term technological innovation, signaling that Florida is not only addressing today’s traffic challenges but also preparing for a future where mobility and efficiency are central to the state’s economic success.
By investing in express lanes, freight infrastructure, and Advanced Air Mobility, Florida is creating a multi-faceted approach to transportation that blends traditional highway improvements with emerging technology, ensuring that residents and businesses in Central Florida will benefit for decades to come.
