- November 26, 2024
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FDOT is pursuing a "diverging diamond" design for the I-95 interchange at U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach. Courtesy of FDOT
FDOT District 5 Secretary John Tyler is joined by Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington (left) and Florida Rep. Tom Leek (right) during the Moving Florida Forward announcement at City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 26. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
FDOT District 5 Secretary John Tyler speaks during the Moving Florida Forward announcement at City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 26. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue speaks during the Moving Florida Forward announcement at City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 26. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Florida Rep. Tom Leek speaks during the Moving Florida Forward announcement at City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 26. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Florida Rep. Tom Leek speaks during the Moving Florida Forward announcement at Ormond Beach City Hall on Sept. 26, 2023. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington speaks during the Moving Florida Forward announcement at City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 26. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The I-95 interchange at U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach will start construction in the fall of 2027, announced Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue at City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 26.
"I look forward to bringing the renderings that you see here today to fruition and making this updated, modern interchange a reality for the city of Ormond Beach and for Volusia County," Perdue said.
The interchange is part of the governor's $4 billion Moving Florida Forward infrastructure initiative, which aims to advance construction on transportation projects to address congestion, safety and resiliency on critical state-owned roadways. The $4 billion come from the state's general revenue surplus, according to FDOT.
"What we saw the opportunity to do is — in times that are good times — take the money that we have left over and use it for the advancement of projects that are in the benefit of the entire public," Florida Rep. Tom Leek said.
With these funds in play, FDOT's total budget for the next five years includes over $68 billion in transportation investments.
The I-95 interchange at U.S. 1 is one of 20 projects included in the initiative.
"That interchange is one of the last original construction interchanges in the state of Florida," Perdue said, adding that the redesign is "tremendously needed for, not only efficiency, but also safety."
The interchange was designed in the early 1960s and still retains some of the original elements, such as median openings, tight loop ramps and driveway connections. These no longer meet current spacing standards, according to FDOT.
FDOT District 5 Secretary John Tyler said he can personally attest to how important the interchange redesign project is for the community.
"As fast as the area is growing, the interchange has not been able to keep pace with increasing traffic, and the upgraded design needs to be modernized to improve safety and connectivity for this community, its residents and identified travelers," Tyler said.
During public hearings in March, the state department announced it would be pursuing a "diverging diamond" design. This design would mean vehicles turning left would not have to cross opposing traffic and drivers would be less likely to enter ramps going in the wrong direction. The redesign — expected to cost $340 million — would also include widening a one-mile segment of U.S. 1 between Plantation Oaks Boulevard and Destination Daytona Lane from two lanes to three lanes in both directions.
The project would also add shared-use paths for bicyclists and pedestrians.
"We are so grateful in Ormond Beach to see this project finally come to fruition," Mayor Bill Partington said. "... We're grateful for the governor's vision on the Moving Florida Forward initiative and we're grateful for the legislature having run a fiscally responsible state year after year, which resulted in surpluses that allow us to complete this particular project."
