Traffic Talk: I-75 widening project getting more attention from FDOT on social media
Anytime you hear I-75 and widening in the same sentence, it's cause for celebration.
In case you missed, it was announced in December of 2024 that relief is coming for I-75 commuter traveling between Fort Myers and Naples. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that a widening project on one of the busiest stretches of Interstate 75 in Southwest Florida will start in 2026, one year earlier than originally planned.
According to the project website, the project encompasses an 18.5 mile stretch of road starting from I-75 from north of Golden Gate Parkway to south of Corkscrew Road. When finished, it is predicted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) that the widening should reduce travel times by 47%. Also:
One lane will be added in each direction with auxiliary lanes, increasing the roadway from 6 to 8 lanes.
The project is part of the Florida Department of Transportation's Moving Florida Forward infrastructure initiative.
Funding: $578 million
Recently, FDOT has made two social media posts on its Facebook page to remind people about the project, which is still in its early stages of planning.
An April 16 Facebook post said: Florida Department of Transportations' study to add more lanes to I-75 in #Collier and #Lee Counties continues to Move Florida Forward! This link was provided to the project page for more information.
Two days later, a separate post appeared for the same project with another ink to the project page and this animated image of what the widening on I-75 will look like:
According to the project page, the public outreach will continue into this summer and until the end of the project.
Also underway is the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study, which is a comprehensive process used by FDOT to analyze and develop project, considering both engineering and environmental factors. The study determines the best location and design for a project, while also evaluating its potential social, economic, and environmental impacts.
The comment threads on the FDOT Facebook posts ranged from positive to critical. Here's is some of what people are saying:
Alan Parker said: People will continue to camp in the left lane.
Andy Eippert Sr. said: It will be fantastic.
Dennis Assanowicz said: The future would be a high speed rail.
Tina Goodman said: Make HOV lanes & keep trucks in a separate lane. Need to enlarge all the narrow bridges.
Patt Line said: They need to just go to 10 lanes and only screw up traffic once. By the time they are done with 8 they will need 10 anyway.
Samantha Soutar said: As long as there aren't delays, bring it on!
More: Estero traffic study reveals seven most dangerous intersections in village. What to know
One of the most significant road construction projects in history is close to wrapping up in Lee County.
The Diverging Diamond Interchange in Lee County at I-75 and Colonial Boulevard, which started way back in 2021, is in its final stages, according to Florida Department of Transportation spokesperson Jason Heironimus.
FDOT was doing final walk through for the project last week and developing the final punch list. Crews will also complete any final signage installation and complete the punch list items.
Mid-May is now the target for official completion of the project.
Collier County's first ever DDI at Pine Ridge Road and I-75 is in its early stages of construction. According to FDOT's latest update:
Motorists should expect nighttime/overnight lane closures from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Pine Ridge Road for crews to work in the median.
Crews will be working on drainage installation and roadway work.
Crews will be working on clearing and grubbing and installing erosion control throughout the project area.
Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway. The expected completion date is mid-2027. For more information please visit: https://www.swflroads.com/project/445296-1.
The above activities are subject to change based on weather conditions and unforeseen underground conditions.
Your emails are pouring into my inbox and I love it. Keep them coming. Remember, it's OK to vent and tell me what is driving you crazy when it comes to our traffic crisis. Of course, your observations and ideas for helping to solve the crisis are always welcome!
Email anytime to mbickel@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: I-75 widening between Collier County and Lee County: What to know
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