FDOT celebrates major infrastructure projects that will shape Florida’s transportation future for years to come

Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has highlighted a year of unprecedented progress in 2025, showcasing a comprehensive slate of transportation projects that continue to reshape the state’s infrastructure while strengthening communities, supporting economic growth, and embracing new technologies. Through innovative planning, swift emergency response, and long-term investments, FDOT demonstrated its unwavering commitment to keeping Florida moving safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature’s continued support of our state’s transportation infrastructure, 2025 has been a highly successful year for FDOT,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “The Department took major steps forward with projects to reduce congestion, invest in critical infrastructure, strengthen Florida’s supply chain, create job opportunities, and push the boundaries of new and emerging transportation technologies, all while prioritizing the wellbeing of Florida’s communities.”

Responding Quickly to Severe Weather

Florida’s unique climate presents both opportunities and challenges, and FDOT’s proactive approach in 2025 ensured that communities stayed connected even during unexpected emergencies. In January, Winter Storm Enzo brought an unusual wave of snow and ice to North Florida, testing a region unaccustomed to harsh winter conditions. FDOT mobilized more than 250 team members and nearly 200 pieces of heavy equipment, pre-treating over 600 bridges with anti-icing solutions and staging utility crews to respond to potential power outages.

As snow and ice coated major roadways, Interstate 10 (I-10) closures became necessary to safeguard travelers. FDOT crews cleared nearly 400 miles of ice and snow, reopening the interstate in just 25 hours. Their rapid response ensured essential goods, emergency services, and daily commuters could return to safe travel quickly.

Later in the year, in October, Central Florida faced heavy rainfall that flooded critical transportation routes, including U.S. 1, I-95, and State Road 46. FDOT crews immediately assessed the damage, removed debris, pumped floodwaters, and repaired roads, restoring travel safety for communities in Brevard, Lake, and Orange Counties. These efforts underscored FDOT’s adaptability and its dedication to protecting the wellbeing of Floridians, no matter the challenge.

Delivering Congestion Relief Ahead of Schedule

Florida’s rapid population growth necessitates bold infrastructure projects, and the Moving Florida Forward initiative continued to deliver major results in 2025. This forward-thinking program, championed by Governor DeSantis, accelerates key congestion relief projects years ahead of schedule to meet current and future demands.

One milestone occurred in April with the opening of new congestion relief lanes on I-4, eight months ahead of schedule. These lanes stretch from U.S. 27 in Polk County to World Drive in Osceola County, serving 140,000 daily travelers and reducing travel times by 50 percent. Another significant achievement includes progress on the Golden Glades Interchange (GGI) Project, where nearly half of stormwater drainage structures and concrete bridge pile work has been completed. Once finished, the project will feature 32 new bridges, improving efficiency, reducing congestion, and establishing a freight connector linking South Florida’s seaports and airports.

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Additional Moving Florida Forward projects advanced in 2025, including the I-75 Auxiliary Lanes in Ocala and the I-275 Widening Project in Pinellas County. The I-75 project, involving 31 miles of auxiliary lanes, will alleviate congestion for 114,000 daily drivers while generating $2.3 billion in regional economic impact. The I-275 widening, which adds two express lanes, is projected to cut travel delays by 85 percent and contribute $1.4 billion to the Tampa Bay economy. These achievements highlight FDOT’s ability to deliver transformative infrastructure rapidly and effectively.

Strengthening Florida’s Supply Chain

FDOT recognizes the critical role of transportation in supporting the state’s economy. With 75 percent of Florida’s freight moving via trucks, investments in truck parking, freight facilities, and supply chain enhancements are essential. In 2025, FDOT constructed a 100-space truck parking facility at the Polk Parkway and I-4 interchange. Additionally, Florida secured a $180 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant to add 917 new truck parking spaces along I-4 in Volusia, Seminole, and Osceola Counties.

The department also continued investments through the Aggregate Grant Program, providing over $19.5 million in funding to expand storage capacity for construction aggregates. These improvements enable the efficient movement of materials vital to the state’s infrastructure projects, underscoring FDOT’s commitment to supporting both commerce and communities.

Developing a Skilled Transportation Workforce

FDOT’s investment in people ensures Florida has the skilled workforce needed for major infrastructure projects. In 2025, the Florida Transportation Research Institute was established in partnership with state universities to serve as a hub for innovation, while the Florida Transportation Academy provided educational and on-the-job training programs.

The Moving I-4 Forward Construction Training Program in Kissimmee graduated its first class in June, followed by the inaugural FDOT Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A cohort in August, achieving a 100 percent pass rate. Road to Your Future hiring events and the Statewide Workforce Development Program collectively helped over 400 job seekers gain employment in transportation, demonstrating FDOT’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of industry professionals.

Enhancing Safety Across the State

Safety remains a top priority, with projects like the Post Street at Old Roosevelt Rail Safety Project in Duval County reducing travel lanes from seven to two and installing pedestrian detection systems. FDOT also initiated the U.S. 231 at Star Avenue project in Bay County, which will replace a railroad crossing with a roundabout and bridge system to improve safety.

FDOT’s SWIFTT Challenge fostered innovative safety solutions, including a robotic pavement marking system that uses geolocation to spray road lines efficiently while protecting workers. Recognition for safety projects continued in 2025, with awards from the Southern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), highlighting the state’s leadership in transportation safety.

Leading in Advanced Air Mobility and Aerospace

Florida is pioneering the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, constructing vertiports and flight corridors for commercial air-taxi, cargo, and emergency services. FDOT’s SunTrax testing facility is expanding to become the nation’s first R&D hub integrating both surface and air transportation technology.

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Meanwhile, Florida’s aerospace industry continued to thrive, with the state surpassing 100 space launches in 2025, accounting for over 60 percent of global launches. The International Aerospace Innovation Fund will further drive research, commercialization, and workforce development, solidifying Florida’s position as a global leader in aerospace.

Celebrating Completed Infrastructure Projects

Major projects completed in 2025 include:

• NASA Causeway Bridge in March, opening six months early and facilitating aerospace transport.
• Howard Frankland Bridge Replacement in Tampa Bay, increasing capacity by 50 percent.
• Suncoast Parkway Phase 2 in Citrus County, adding four new lanes ahead of schedule.
• First Coast Expressway in Clay County, opening nearly 20 miles of high-speed toll road.
• U.S. 1 Jupiter Bridge in Palm Beach County, reducing bridge openings by 44 percent.
• I-75 at U.S. 301 Interchange in Manatee County, converting to a diverging diamond design for improved traffic flow.
• U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement in Santa Rosa County, adding bike lanes and wider lanes.
• DuPont Bridge Replacement near Tyndall Air Force Base, allowing larger ship construction and better logistics.

Additionally, SunPass expanded interoperability to include Colorado, making it compatible in 24 states, further enhancing Florida’s transportation connectivity.

Enhancing Communities and Preserving Natural Beauty

FDOT continued to prioritize community resilience and environmental stewardship. The new I-75 Alligator Alley Rest Area and Environmental Education Center in Broward County offers educational exhibits and access to the Everglades. Coastal projects like the S.R. A1A Seawall Project in Volusia County and pump station construction in the Florida Keys protect communities from flooding while maintaining Florida’s scenic beauty.

Looking Forward

FDOT’s focus remains on continued investment and innovation. The America250FL Road Trip initiative highlights Florida’s history through over 100 sites across the state, connecting communities with transportation and heritage. Governor DeSantis’ proposed $15.4 billion Floridians First Budget for FY 2026-27 aims to further reduce congestion, enhance safety, and support economic competitiveness through airport, seaport, and spaceport investments.

FDOT is prepared to carry Florida’s transportation system into the future, ensuring that families, commerce, and communities thrive through a safe, efficient, and innovative transportation network.