ABOUT SOUTHWEST CONNECT™
Southwest Connect™ is a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District One program that will lead to construction of transportation solutions that address the long-term needs of the interstate corridors in Southwest Florida. This effort will allow District One to analyze and put in place integrated and comprehensive transportation solutions, that meet the needs of the near term and accommodate the evolving and innovative transportation solutions of tomorrow.
Southwest Florida is one of the fastest growing areas of the country. This type of population growth requires investments in transportation infrastructure to support the demand for new services, new industries, new businesses, and most importantly new jobs.
The Southwest Connect™ program includes multiple interstate studies that will result in multiple projects focused on improving mobility and providing transportation options to support the region’s economic development. Each project within the program is expected to move people and goods safely and efficiently while balancing regional transportation needs with community concerns.
The Southwest Connect Interstate Program includes:
- Interstate improvements that optimize long-term capacity needs, long-term mobility needs, travel reliability and travel options for drivers
- Accessibility improvements that consider deficiencies and needs of existing interchanges as well as the potential for new interchanges where applicable to promote system connectivity and local traffic operations
- Inclusion of complete streets design principles on the adjacent impacted arterials of individual projects to complement local visions for enhanced livability while fostering future economic growth
- Multimodal accommodations that enhance access, efficiency and safety while promoting economic opportunities
INTERSTATE PROGRAM CORRIDORS
Program Limits: Interstate 75 (I-75) from Collier Boulevard (SR 951) to Moccasin Wallow Road and Interstate 4 (I-4) from west of SR 570 (Polk Parkway) to west of US 27
The Southwest Connect™ Interstate Program consists of multiple projects within four corridors along I-75 and I-4 in District One. Learn more about these projects by clicking on its corridor below.
Interstate 75 (I-75)
SOUTH CORRIDOR
Counties:
Collier & Lee
Interstate 75 (I-75)
CENTRAL CORRIDOR
Counties:
Charlotte & Sarasota
Interstate 75 (I-75)
NORTH CORRIDOR
Counties:
Sarasota & Manatee
Interstate 4 (I-4)
CORRIDOR
County:
Polk
WHY IS FDOT STUDYING THESE CORRIDORS?
FDOT wants to be proactive in planning for a safe and efficient corridor.
- Interstate 4 and Interstate 75 has experienced an increase in traffic driven by many factors including population growth, development, additional tourism and special events.
- These traffic increases have led to a number of safety and transportation issues.
- Each corridor’s Master Plan will document current and future needs along the interstate and provide a set of recommended priorities for implementation.
SOUTHWEST CONNECT™
INTERSTATE CORRIDORS MAP
NAVIGATING THE ROAD AHEAD.
Depending on transportation priorities, available funding, and complexities of the needed improvements, a project’s progression from planning to construction may take up to 10 years. FDOT follows federal and state requirements throughout project development and works closely with governmental agencies, partners and the local community to identify improvement priorities and move them through the production pipeline. Planning and Feasibility, Project Development and Environment Study, Design, Right of Way Acquisition and Construction are sequential phases of production for projects.