Work starts in 2026 between Golden Gate Parkway in Collier County and Corkscrew Road in Lee County. The project is moving forward 10 years ahead of the original schedule.

Officials say the improvements should cut travel times by about half on this busy stretch that handles 50,000 vehicles daily.

“I’m sure smarter people studied it and say it’ll help. I believe them,” Rick Timko, a commuter who travels the route daily, told Fox 4 News. “I see it improving the commute for working people, and I’m all for that,” he added.

This project is part of the Moving Florida Forward plan, which focuses on easing congestion along the state’s key travel routes. The design takes hurricane safety into account. The added lanes will help people escape faster when storms approach the coast.