ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — Ron DeSantis on April 30 marked the early groundbreaking of a major reconstruction project at the Interstate 95 interchange with U.S. 1 in Volusia County, advancing the timeline by a full year as part of the state’s broader infrastructure push.
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The project, one of the oldest interchange upgrades in Florida’s highway system, is being delivered through the state’s Moving Florida Forward initiative, which emphasizes accelerated timelines and cost-efficient construction practices.
“I was proud to announce the groundbreaking of the reconstructed I-95 and U.S. 1 interchange a year ahead of schedule,” said DeSantis. “Thanks to responsible fiscal governance, we are in the position to make transformative investments in our state’s infrastructure. Florida is consistently ranked in the top five states with the highest-quality roadways, and the Moving Florida Forward Initiative ensures that Florida will continue to be a model of efficient and cost-effective infrastructure investment.”
Originally slated to begin construction in 2027, the project has been moved forward significantly due to a new delivery approach developed by the Florida Department of Transportation. The agency’s Modified Phased Design-Build method integrates elements of traditional delivery systems while streamlining design and construction processes to reduce costs and shorten schedules.
“This high-priority project was advanced 15 to 20 years ahead of schedule and fully funded as part of the Moving Florida Forward initiative,” officials said.
According to FDOT, the new approach allows overlapping phases of design and construction, enabling crews to mobilize earlier while maintaining efficiency and budget control. The method is expected to serve as a model for future state infrastructure projects.
The reconstruction will significantly enhance traffic flow and safety along one of the region’s busiest corridors. Plans include the addition of three new bridges, redesigned loop ramps, and extended entry and exit lanes to improve merging conditions for motorists.
“These new enhancements will bring much needed congestion relief and safety improvements as U.S. 1 traffic volumes are expected to double in the next 20 years,” said Jared W. Perdue, secretary of FDOT. “By reconstructing the I-95 interchange and increasing U.S. 1 capacity by 50%, this project is expected to have a $1.2 billion regional economic impact in the Volusia County community.”
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As part of the upgrade, both I-95 off-ramps will be widened, and a one-mile stretch of U.S. 1 will be expanded to six lanes. The improvements are designed to accommodate future growth while reducing congestion and improving safety for commuters and freight traffic alike.
The project will also incorporate architectural elements intended to reflect the character of Ormond Beach, positioning the interchange as a gateway to the city while supporting long-term economic development.
Transportation officials said the accelerated construction schedule means drivers can expect to see improvements sooner than anticipated, helping to address growing traffic demands in the region.
Originally reported by Governor Ron DeSantis in Florida Government.
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