Gov. Rick Scott today announced the advancement of $128 million in widening projects along the I-75 corridor in Pasco County by more than five years.These projects will address the growing transportation needs in the Tampa Bay area by widening the current interstate from two lanes in each direction to three.
“Today we are announcing that not only are we advancing the projects by five years, but we are starting construction in just two weeks," Scott said during an appearance at the state Department of Transportation office in Tampa. " I-75 is an important part of Florida’s transportation system as it supports tourism, economic development and trade. Funding these widening projects will create more job opportunities and improve mobility and connectivity.”
Work is set to begin later this month on a 7.8 mile stretch of I-75 just north of State Road 52 to the Pasco/Hernando County Line. In May, construction crews will begin work on an additional 6.7 mile segment of the interstate, from north of County Road 54 to north of State Road 52. This portion of the project also includes major work on State Road 52, widening 1.6 miles to six lanes with frontage roads on the west side of I-75, and adding a westbound State Road 52 “loop” entrance ramp to southbound I-75. Total funding for both projects is $128.6 million.
“I commend Governor Scott for recognizing the value to Florida citizens and businesses to make these critical enhancements to I-75," said state transportation secretary Ananth Prasad. "These projects will further strengthen Florida’s infrastructure while boosting the local economy. By addressing capacity needs today, we will be better prepared for future growth in the region.”
Prasad said completing these projects in Pasco County is part of a larger project of making I-75 six lanes from the Georgia state line to Tampa Bay.
