I-75 Expansion: Major Widening Project to Transform Southwest Florida Traffic

Naples, Florida, USA - The traffic situation in Southwest Florida is on the verge of significant transformation thanks to ambitious new infrastructure projects. Recently, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has made strides in addressing the pressing traffic issues that have plagued this bustling area for years. One major highlight is the ongoing effort to widen I-75, which promises to enhance safety and improve mobility on this vital corridor.

As Naples News reports, the widening of I-75 will span from Golden Gate Parkway in Collier County to Corkscrew Road in Lee County, adding as many as 10 lanes to accommodate the growing traffic demand. This project is set to unfold in phases, with initial work beginning as early as 2027 and wrapping up by 2031. Each phase is designed to tackle specific segments of the highway, ensuring that the enhancements can be rolled out efficiently.

Transforming Interchanges

In addition to the main highway widening, the FDOT is enhancing several interchanges to ease congestion further. Recent developments include the completion of the Diverging Diamond Interchange at Colonial Boulevard and I-75 in Fort Myers, which opened its doors in June 2025. This innovative design allows vehicles to drive on the left side of the road, significantly improving traffic flow by reducing conflict points compared to traditional interchanges. With the I-75 and University Parkway interchange already operational since 2017, it’s clear that this design is here to stay. The Herald Tribune notes that this design has become increasingly popular, with several modified diverging diamonds constructed across the state, including the Clark Road and I-75 interchange.

Looking ahead, the Fruitville Road interchange will undergo a complete reconstruction to also adopt the Diverging Diamond format. This project is part of a larger initiative named Moving Florida Forward, a program backed by Governor Ron DeSantis that aims to invest $7 billion into roadway improvements statewide. This particular interchange is anticipated to reduce delays and better handle the region’s surging population, projected to have grown by nearly 10% from 2020 to 2024.

A Commitment to the Future

Governor DeSantis has championed the widening of I-75 and its related projects. As outlined in an announcement by the Governor’s Office, the initiative includes the construction of over 31 miles of new auxiliary lanes from State Road 44 in Wildwood to State Road 326 in Ocala, aimed at tackling the looming traffic crisis head-on. As Florida’s Governor’s Office highlights, these projects are expected to have a substantial economic impact, with an estimated $2.3 billion benefit to the region.

The commitment of approximately $4 billion from General Revenue Surplus to expedite these projects signals a determined approach toward reducing the stress on Florida’s transportation network. Specifically, improvements like the diversifying of I-75 interchanges and highway widening are geared toward accommodating increased traffic flow, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Public Engagement

As these significant changes take shape, public engagement remains a critical component. A public hearing for the I-75 widening project is set for August 14, 2024, at North Collier Regional Park in Naples, where local residents can express their views and concerns. The FDOT aims to ensure that community input is part of every phase of the project, promising an inclusive approach towards this transformative endeavor.

While the prospect of construction can understandably lead to some frustrations among local residents, the long-term benefits of these investments are poised to outweigh the short-term inconveniences. As construction begins and interchanges evolve, there’s a palpable sense of optimism for a more navigable, safer Southwest Florida.