The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced this week that, at Gov. Ron DeSantis’ direction, it will speed up the start several infrastructure projects, which are valued at $2.1 billion.
“Due to a reduction in traffic throughout Florida during the fight against COVID-19, FDOT will expedite crucial improvements to the state’s transportation system and provide much needed jobs,” the FDOT announced on Wednesday.
Florida Department of Transportation Sec. Kevin Thibault said that his team was ready to help keep workers safe during the coronaviurs crisis.
“The governor understands that Florida’s transportation system is the backbone of our economy and FDOT is proud to accelerate projects, which will help expedite goods to market and provide much needed jobs throughout the state,” said Thibault, “Safety is our top priority, so we will continue to ensure that employees have the sanitation supplies needed to follow the guidance from the CDC and work with our industry partners to implement these same precautions to keep workers safe and healthy.”
The FDOT announced it will move up the timetables of the following projects:
The $864M Howard Frankland Bridge project in the Tampa Bay area will be accelerated by almost four weeks.
The widening of Southern Boulevard (SR 80) in western Palm Beach County will be accelerated by almost three months.
In Miami-Dade, the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design Build Project is an $802 million reconstruction project being done in coordination with the local expressway authority that will be accelerated by four weeks.
The project at Sand Lake Road (SR 482) near the heavy tourist area of International Drive and Universal Boulevard in Orlando will be accelerated by four to six weeks.
Several other projects, by region, include:
Southeast Florida
Phase one of construction on the US-1 Cow Key Bridge in Monroe County will be accelerated by a week.
Southwest Florida
Paving along I-75 at the SR 70 Interchange in Manatee County will be accelerated by two weeks.
Paving, widening and signal upgrades along State Road 951 in southern Collier County will be accelerated by four weeks.
Northwest Florida
The 23rd Street Flyover project at the intersection of US 98 and 23rd Street in Bay County will be accelerated by a week.
Northeast Florida
The Diverging Diamond Interchange on SR 200 (A1A) at Interstate 95 in Nassau County, the first of its kind in Northeast Florida, will be accelerated by two months.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
