Governor DeSantis Announces I-75 Expansion in Ocala

OCALA – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the groundbreaking of a major expansion of Interstate 75, marking the start of construction on over 31 miles of new auxiliary lanes between State Road 44 in Wildwood and State Road 326 in Ocala. The project, part of the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, is fully funded and launching 10 to 15 years ahead of schedule in an effort to alleviate growing traffic congestion in the region.

“We launched Moving Florida Forward in 2023 to accelerate road projects with an emphasis on alleviating traffic,” DeSantis said. “We are accelerating this I-75 project near Ocala because residents and visitors alike need relief from the congestion. This project was not slated to begin for another 10-15 years, but thanks to our program, construction is now underway.”

With an estimated 114,000 vehicles traveling this corridor daily, the expansion aims to reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance mobility for both local commuters and travelers. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., emphasized the project's economic benefits, estimating a $2.3 billion impact on the region.

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, congestion relief along I-75 will be delivered 10-15 years ahead of schedule,” Perdue said.

The Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, launched in 2023, is a $4 billion effort aimed at fast-tracking transportation projects statewide. FDOT identified high-priority road projects that were previously approved but lacked the necessary funding to begin construction. The initiative, funded through the state’s General Revenue Surplus, is designed to relieve traffic congestion, improve roadway safety, and enhance Florida’s supply chain infrastructure.

At least 20 major interstate and roadway projects have been expedited under Moving Florida Forward, including:

• I-4 Expansion in Polk and Osceola Counties – Addition of express lanes to reduce congestion and streamline travel into Orlando.
• I-275 Expansion in Pinellas County – New regular and express lanes projected to cut travel delays by 85%, improving a key hurricane evacuation route.
• Golden Glades Interchange Redesign in Miami-Dade County – Improved connectivity between I-95 and major road corridors in the region.
• Fruitville Interchange Reconstruction in Sarasota County – Conversion to a Diverging Diamond Interchange, increasing capacity by 40,000 vehicles and reducing conflict points.
• S. 98 Widening in Bay County – A project aimed at enhancing access to local businesses and increasing capacity in Panama City Beach.
• S. 301 Realignment in Sumter County – A redesign projected to reduce peak-hour delays by up to 94%, improving access to Florida’s Turnpike.

The I-75 expansion in Ocala is one of many efforts underway to modernize Florida’s transportation network and accommodate rapid population growth and increased tourism. By fast-tracking these projects, Florida aims to reduce traffic bottlenecks, support economic development, and ensure safer, more efficient roadways for years to come.

With construction now officially underway, Ocala-area residents and travelers can expect major improvements along I-75.

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