Governor DeSantis Unveils Accelerated Transportation Projects in Bartow, Florida

Governor DeSantis Unveils Accelerated Transportation Projects in Bartow

BARTOW, Fla. – In a significant boost for Florida’s infrastructure, Governor Ron DeSantis, accompanied by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared Purdue, announced a series of accelerated transportation projects during a visit to Bartow on Thursday. The initiatives, part of the ‘Moving Florida Forward’ program, promise to enhance traffic flow and improve transportation options across the state.

Among the most notable announcements was the acceleration of an expansion project on Interstate 4 (I-4) in Hillsborough County, which will now see the addition of 17 miles of new lanes near County Line Road. Originally slated for completion in 2037, this project is now set to be finished a decade earlier, a move that DeSantis emphasized will significantly improve travel between Tampa and Central Florida.

“This increases reliable traffic flow and gives people a better option to get from Tampa to Central Florida and vice versa,” DeSantis stated, highlighting the importance of timely infrastructure improvements.

In addition to the I-4 expansion, the FDOT is also set to construct a new truck parking facility in Polk County, conveniently located near the I-4 and Polk Parkway interchange. This facility will add 100 new parking spots for transporters along the busy I-4 corridor, addressing a critical need for truck drivers in the region.

Secretary Purdue remarked, “Governor Ron DeSantis is focused on keeping the supply chain healthy, and we can be resilient through any challenges,” underscoring the administration’s commitment to enhancing logistics and transportation efficiency.

Further developments include the expansion of express lanes on I-275 in Pinellas County, which will improve connectivity between Tropicana Field and the Howard Frankland Bridge.

Looking ahead, DeSantis teased an innovative project in Polk County involving air mobility testing, likening it to an aerial version of Uber. “These are things with small wings, go straight up, and run on battery power,” he explained. Designed for short distances, these vehicles could revolutionize travel from Tampa to Disney, utilizing the nation’s first advanced air mobility test track at the SunTrax facility near Bartow.

With federal approval anticipated next year, Secretary Purdue expressed optimism that Florida could lead the way in this emerging transportation sector, potentially alleviating congestion on I-4 if successful.

As these ambitious projects take shape, residents and travelers alike can look forward to a more connected and efficient Florida.

For more updates on transportation developments in the region, visit FOX 13.