Key Takeaways
- 21 miles of I-75 improvements: FDOT’s project spans north of Golden Gate Parkway to south of Alico Road in Lee and Collier counties, aiming to ease congestion and improve safety.
- New lanes and interchange upgrades proposed: Plans include express and auxiliary lanes, direct express-lane access at Vanderbilt Beach Road, and a diverging diamond interchange at Immokalee Road.
- Construction expected from late 2026 through late 2030: Motorists should anticipate nighttime lane closures, modified exit patterns, and temporary detours during the approximately four-year project.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is moving forward with a 21-mile I-75 widening project in Collier and Lee counties to increase capacity, improve traffic operations, and enhance safety. The construction project extends from north of Golden Gate Parkway to south of Alico Road, with proposed improvements including express lanes, auxiliary lanes, interchange modifications, and resurfacing.
Part of the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, the project is intended to deliver congestion relief faster while supporting Southwest Florida’s long-term transportation needs.
Project Overview: Location, Scope, and Purpose
The corridor serves the Naples and Bonita Springs area, connecting communities across Collier and Lee counties. FDOT identifies increased capacity, better traffic operations, and enhanced safety as the project’s central objectives.
The proposed work combines through-corridor improvements with changes at specific interchanges. Together, these measures are intended to reduce congestion and make travel times more reliable.
What Improvements Are Proposed for I-75?
Express Lanes and Direct Access
FDOT proposes two express lanes in each direction from Golden Gate Parkway to Corkscrew Road, with one express lane in each direction continuing through the Corkscrew Road interchange.
The project also includes direct access to the express lanes at Vanderbilt Beach Road. This proposed connection is an important feature for motorists reviewing how the new lanes would connect with local roads. The project summary does not specify express-lane toll rates or operating rules.
Auxiliary and Accelerated Congestion Relief Lanes
New auxiliary lanes are proposed in both directions between Golden Gate Parkway and Alico Road. Auxiliary lanes generally provide additional space for vehicles entering, exiting, or moving between nearby interchanges, helping manage merging and weaving movements.
FDOT also proposes accelerated congestion relief lanes in both directions between Immokalee Road and Bonita Beach Road. These improvements form part of the broader capacity strategy for the corridor.
Immokalee Road Interchange and Other Upgrades
A new diverging diamond interchange at Immokalee Road is included in the proposed improvements. This interchange design temporarily shifts surface-road traffic to the opposite side of the roadway, allowing left turns onto interstate entrance ramps without crossing opposing traffic.
Additional proposed work includes:
- Resurfacing I-75 throughout the project corridor.
- Modifying ramps at key interchanges.
- Installing new noise walls at qualifying locations.
Project Timeline
The 21-mile I-75 improvement project in Lee and Collier counties has an accelerated timeline, heavily fast-tracked from its original target date of 2030 or later.
Phase 1: Planning and Public Input (Ongoing)
- Status: FDOT is currently concluding its Project Development and Environment (PD&E) re-evaluation phase.
Phase 2: Design & Final Prep (Late 2026)
- Status: Final construction designs, local utility modifications, and specific lane-closures schedules are being coordinated through the end of the year. Final modifications to noise-wall allocations based on public feedback are also being finalized during this phase.
Phase 3: Active Construction (Late Fall 2026 – 2030)
- Start Date: Heavy machinery operations and major lane widening are anticipated to start in late fall 2026.
- Duration: FDOT estimates the project will take approximately 4 years to complete.
- Estimated Substantial Completion: Expected near late 2030.
During the four-year construction window, motorists should expect rolling nightly lane closures, modified exit patterns, and temporary detours throughout the corridor stretch.
What’s happening on Interstate 75 RIGHT NOW! I-75 Real-time traffic information for selected cities along I-75. Maps show updates on road construction, traffic accidents, travel delays and the latest traffic speeds. Traffic cameras show congestion at a glance. Visit I-75 Traffic.
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