Approval has been given for a $2.5 billion highway project in Florida. This 24km toll road is intended to cut traffic congestion between Poinciana Parkway and the Florida Turnpike. The approval has been given by the Central Florida Expressway Authority. The new route will be called the Southport Connector Project and the construction work will include building stretches of elevated roadway and new intersections.
In addition, two highway widening projects are also being planned in Florida, with a combined value of $718 million. The larger of the two projects is worth $500 million will be to widen a stretch of I-4 between the junction with I-75 and County Line Road. The other project will see an extra lane added to SR 408, close to I-4 and is worth $218 million.
Express lanes featuring sophisticated dynamic tolling will be added to I-4 along a 27km stretch between the interchange with I-75 and County Line Road, with the project starting in 2028. The start date for the work was originally 2037 but will now be 2028 to address congestion issues. The work has been approved by the Hillsborough County, Florida, Transportation Planning Organization. As part of the project, a new trucking parking facility with space for 100 trucks will be built in Polk County.
Meanwhile, the fifth lane being added to SR 408 eastbound between I-4 and Orange Blossom Trail is intended to cut traffic congestion before NFL events being held at the at Camping World Stadium. Construction is starting shortly for a new interchange at Tampa Avenue, with the work due for completion in 2029. Work will also be carried out to other interchanges and on and off ramps. The project is being managed by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and includes the addition of sophisticated tolling technology. Once the work is complete, it is expected to cut congestion in Orlando.
