Working to further drum up support for the transportation portion of his 2013 fiscal plan, Gov. Rick Scott traveled to Jacksonville Tuesday to highlight the $78 million that would be directed towards reducing congestion and improving safety along Interstate 95.

Scott’s budget would pay for a flyover ramp for I-95 southbound traffic heading east onto J. Turner Butler Boulevard, an overpass for JTB westbound traffic to pass over the westbound traffic from Belfort Road, and the reconstruction of the I-95 northbound off-ramp to provide direct access to westbound JTB. 

“This $78 million investment means families will be safer, businesses will be able to save money and move goods faster, and Florida families won’t spend nearly as much time in traffic,” Scott assured in a statement released after his midday appearance at the Jacksonville Best Western on Salisbury Drive.

“The great news is, this funding came about as a result of efficiencies by the Department of Transportation. This project could essentially save lives as it improves access for those trying to reach St. Vincent’s Medical Center Southside and the Mayo Clinic. 

“For the 24,000 drivers who have an excessive wait time to get off I-95 every afternoon this will improve their commute so they can spend more quality time at home with their families, and less time on the road.” 

Scott’s appearance follows a similar announcement last Friday at the SWIFT Sunguide Center in Naples to promote $140 million worth of projects he has proposed for South Florida’s roads.

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad stated the road plan would fully fund “the department’s improvements which will increase capacity, reduce congestion and create private-sector jobs.”

The intersection is considered a “challenge” for many citizens, noted Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown.

“By relieving congestion, we'll make commutes safer and enhance commerce," Brown stated in a release.

Senator Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, called “relieving congestion at I-95 and JTB critical for public safety and the movement of goods for the Jacksonville area.”


Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.