COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — A new bill passed Wednesday, allowing Florida to build three new major toll highways, including one in Collier County.
One would connect Collier County to Lakeland, located between Tampa and Orlando. Another would extend the Suncoast Parkway from Citrus County to Jefferson County, which borders Georgia. Another would extend from the North end of the Florida Turnpike to Suncoast Parkway.
The bill passed Wednesday on a 76-36 vote. It calls for three highways to spur job growth in rural areas, relieve congestion on Interstates 75 and 4 and provide new hurricane evacuation routes.
People who are opposed say the commitment to these new roadways should wait on studies that could prove whether these roadways would harm wetlands or wildlife. There are also concerns of this bringing more urban sprawl to the Sunshine State.
Senate President Bill Galvano made the highways a priority.
The Florida Highway of Transportation says they're also looking at expanding I-75 from 6 lanes to 8 or 10.
They're working on a study that will add more general use lanes such as HOV lanes, express lanes and freight lanes. FDOT says this will help reduce congestion and improve safety.
They're also looking at the possibility of reconstructing the Daniels Interchange by connecting it to Three Oaks Parkway and widening Daniels West to address future congestion.
At this state, FDOT is working on design and cost estimates.
