Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a groundbreaking ceremony for a major reconstruction project at the Interstate 95/US 1 interchange in Ormond Beach, and state officials announced that the project is starting ahead of schedule.
The interchange is one of the oldest on Florida’s highway system and is being rebuilt as part of the state’s Moving Florida Forward initiative. The project was originally scheduled to begin later this year, but has been pushed back at least a year, state officials said.
Florida Department of Transportation officials said the project is well ahead of schedule, with some estimates putting it 15 to 20 years ahead of schedule.
State leaders credit the early start to a construction approach known as “modified phased design-build,” which aims to streamline project implementation and reduce costs while shortening schedules.
Capacity, safety improvements planned
The reconstruction project includes several major renovations aimed at improving traffic flow and safety along Volusia County’s busy corridor.
Planned improvements include:
Construction of three new bridges Redesign of the loop ramp along I-95 Extension of the northbound off-ramp and southbound on-ramp Widening of the interstate off-ramp Expansion of a one-mile section of the U.S. to one lane
Transportation officials say the redesign will give drivers more time to merge and adjust speeds, reducing congestion and improving safety at interchanges.
Long-term growth and economic impact
Traffic volume along US 1 in the area is expected to double over the next 20 years, according to FDOT. The agency estimates the improvements will increase road capacity by about 50%.
State officials also estimate the project could generate approximately $1.2 billion in local economic impact in Volusia County.
In addition to functional upgrades, the interchange will include architectural design elements intended to serve as a gateway to Ormond Beach and support local economic development.
