I-275 Toll Lanes, Widening Could Be Funded By $7B Plan: Gov. DeSantis

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A $7 billion plan proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to expedite transportation projects throughout the state includes the expansion of Interstate 275 in St. Petersburg, according to a news release from his office.

The governor’s Moving Florida Forward infrastructure initiative calls for the widening of 7.5 miles on I-275 from 38th Avenue N. to 4th Street N., including the addition of two tolled express lanes in each direction.

The project, which is still in its design phase, also calls for a new multi-use trail to be built along Ulmerton Road from I-275 to Feather Sound Drive.

It’s estimated that about $354 million in funding is needed for this project, according to the governor’s office.

Of the 20 projects proposed for the Moving Florida Forward initiative, the 1-275 expansion is the only one in Pinellas County.

If passed by the state legislature, DeSantis’ proposal would invest $4 billion of general revenue, redirect an average of $131 million annually to the State Transportation Work Program and leverage additional funding over the next four years, according to the news release.

“This proposal will break through bureaucracy that often slows down infrastructure projects and allow FDOT to target projects that will ease congestion across the state,” the governor said. “Expediting these projects will bring them to completion more than a decade ahead of schedule.”

The projects included in his initiative “will help relieve congestion while also focusing on safety, resiliency, the supply chain and economic growth,” Jared W. Perdue, Florida Department of Transportation secretary, said. “These are important for Floridians’ quality of life and to ensure we maintain a strong transportation system to keep Florida moving forward.”