Governor Crist On Hand for Interstate-595 Road Improvement Project Groundbreaking
Feb 26, 2010
The Office of Florida Governor Charlie Crist issued the following press release today, February 26, 2010, on the beginning of the $1.25 billion I-595 expansion project.
A Web site (www.i-595.com) has been established to help communicate ongoing information about the project.
Governor Crist Applauds Interstate-595 Road Improvement Project during Groundbreaking Ceremony
~ Innovative contracting approach secures accelerated project completion ~
DAVIE – Continuing his focus on strengthening Florida’s economy, Governor Charlie Crist today applauded the beginning of construction at the Interstate-595 site during a groundbreaking ceremony for the 595 Express Corridor Improvements Project in Broward County. The 595 Express improvements, an Accelerate Florida project, has created more than 900 jobs and more are anticipated as construction continues. The $1.25 billion project is a part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with I-595 Express LLC.
“Accelerated projects boost Florida’s economy by creating thousands of jobs, while improving roads and using taxpayer money efficiently,” said Governor Crist. “In addition to reducing congestion and keeping commerce moving, transportation projects provide great jobs for Floridians. I commend the Department of Transportation for speeding up construction projects across the state, vastly improving the quality of life for the residents and visitors.”
The 595 Express project is the only east to west freeway in the county and connects Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale International Airport with I-95, I-75, the Sawgrass Expressway and Florida’s Turnpike. Motorists will have travel options with three tolled, reversible express lanes in the existing I-595 median. Other project improvement efforts include operational enhancements to ramps and auxiliary lanes, noise walls, and express bus transit upgrades. To date, the improvements are the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by the Florida Department of Transportation.
By using a PPP and innovative contracting solutions, the I-595 Express project will be built in four-and-one-half years, an estimated 15 years earlier than the traditional method of construction. The contractors serve as the concessionaire to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the project for a 35-year term. Construction started in February 2010 and is scheduled to be completed in 2014. The PPP with I-595 Express LLC is the first of its kind in Florida.
“This project could not have happened without the tremendous teamwork of the department, the Federal Highway Administration and I-595 Express,” said FDOT Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos. “Working together, we are providing much needed jobs and reconstructing a major corridor at the same time.”
About Accelerate Florida: Extending Florida’s Economic Horizons
Governor Crist’s economic stimulus plan, “Accelerate Florida: Extending Florida’s Economic Horizons,” speeds up billions of dollars in construction and other capital projects, creating thousands of new jobs and improving the state’s schools, roads and water projects. As part of the Accelerate Florida plan, the Governor is continuing to gather the input of business leaders and experts across the state through seven Accelerate Florida Think Tanks. Business leaders and experts are exploring how government can encourage innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit to flourish in Florida. The think tanks address areas including transportation; workforce; international trade and foreign investment; growth management and housing; small business, minority business and manufacturing; and rural economic development.
The Governor was joined at the groundbreaking by FDOT Secretary Stephanie C. Kopelousos, U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez and Chairman and CEO Manuel Garcia Buey of Iridium Concesiones de Infraestructuras (ACS Group.)
For more information on the project or to contact project personnel and public information office, please go to www.i-595.com.