Governor Ron DeSantis Thursday announced a major suite of infrastructure projects for Central Florida, promising immediate congestion relief on the ground and launching Florida to the forefront of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
The announcement, which includes new express lanes, a crucial truck parking facility, and the construction of the nation’s first-ever AAM aerial test bed, is part of the state’s aggressive Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative.
Congestion Relief Accelerated on I-4
In a significant win for Central Florida commuters, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will advance the construction of 17 miles of new single express lanes on Interstate 4 (I-4) in Hillsborough County, running in both directions from I-75 to County Line Road.
This project, which has been accelerated by ten years, is slated to begin construction in 2028. It’s designed to bring significant congestion relief by separating long-distance travelers from local commuters, offering an additional, reliable travel option to improve the quality of life for residents.
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“Through our Moving Florida Forward initiative, we are making record infrastructure investments and completing projects ahead of schedule to meet the needs of our growing state,” said Governor DeSantis.
Addressing the Truck Parking Deficit
To further support Florida’s vital freight industry—which moves 75% of the state’s total freight—FDOT will construct a new 100-space truck parking facility in Polk County. The facility will be strategically located at the Polk Parkway and I-4 interchange and will utilize existing right-of-way, reflecting the state’s commitment to fiscal prudence. The lack of adequate truck parking is a major safety and efficiency challenge, and this new facility directly addresses one of the largest truck parking deficits in the state.
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., commented, “Our work to accelerate congestion relief, especially along the I-4 corridor, is a commitment we will continue to deliver on.”
Groundbreaking for a New Era of Flight
The most forward-looking part of the announcement involves taking transportation to the skies. Governor DeSantis revealed that construction is officially underway for the first of two Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) vertiports at the FDOT’s SunTrax testing facility in Central Florida.
This facility is set to become the nation’s first-ever AAM aerial test bed with dedicated airspace. Advanced Air Mobility utilizes cutting-edge aircraft, like electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles—often referred to as ‘air taxis’—to efficiently move people and cargo.
The initial vertiports are the first steps in expanding SunTrax into a statewide network of interconnected commercial vertiports. This test bed will drive the necessary research and development for this emerging technology, positioning Florida as a global leader in next-generation air mobility.
The Moving Florida Forward Initiative has a track record of expediting major projects by 10-15 years, ensuring the state’s infrastructure keeps pace with its rapid population and economic growth.
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