Gov. DeSantis approves 14-mile I-4 roadway widening project in Polk City

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:
DeSantis
Credit: WINK

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke about transportation improvements on Interstate 4 during a press conference held in Polk City.

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue joined DeSantis during the conference at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Florida Polytechnic University.

DeSantis began by speaking on the 50% toll relief program signed into law on Monday.

He then discussed approving several roadway projects to alleviate the traffic congestion on I-4.

DeSantis has approved 14.7 miles of I-4 road widening from U.S. 27 in Polk County to Osceola Parkway in Osceola County.

DeSantis stated that a multi-billion state surplus would allocate some funding toward transportation improvements.

According to the governor, $2.5 billion will be used to improve the I-4 corridor.

He then mentioned the necessity of improving roadways due to the increase in population in recent years.

He then listed the improvements underway, which will widen shoulders for evacuations and emergencies and additional traffic lanes in the heavily congested area.

The project will include the Poinciana Parkway Connector, which had a project date of 2034 and has now been adjusted to begin construction in 2024.

The connector will split into two phases, beginning during the I-4 construction process. The second phase will start at a later date.

The podium was then shifted to Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue.

Perdue began speaking about appreciation for the toll relief bill and the acceleration of roadway projects statewide.

“Transportation has a significant impact on all qualities of life,” said Perdue.

According to Perdue, the project connecting the Poinciana Parkway Connector with the I-4 is expected to improve traffic flow tremendously.

Perdue then mentioned the lawsuit against the United States Department of Transportation regarding the active recording of greenhouse emissions from vehicle tailpipes in Florida.

He then commended DeSantis for combatting the legislature, which resulted in Florida and 21 other states winning the case against the USDOT.

DeSantis then concluded the press conference with the signing of the legislature.

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