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FDOT reports progress on megaprojects and takes questions on express lanes and toll allocation
Summary
FDOT Chief Engineer Jennifer Marshall updated senators on megaprojects (Golden Glades, I‑95, I‑4 relief lanes), agency scale (12,000 contracts, $22 billion active contract value) and answered questions about express‑lane siting, a lost EV express‑lane exemption and where statutory toll diversions are directed.
Jennifer Marshall, chief engineer of production at the Florida Department of Transportation, briefed the Appropriations Committee on the agency’s major projects and delivery priorities.
Marshall described FDOT as managing more than 12,000 active contracts with a total value the presentation listed at $22 billion and said the agency is currently delivering multiple mega projects—defined in her remarks as projects costing $500 million or more. She highlighted the Golden Glades Interchange (a complex Miami‑area design‑build approach the presentation said is tracking roughly a year ahead of schedule), I‑95 at US‑1 improvements in Volusia County, and new I‑4 congestion‑relief lanes between Osceola and Polk counties that the presentation said cut a typical trip from about 60 minutes to 22 minutes.
Marshall reviewed other district highlights: accelerated completion of sections of the 1st Coast Expressway, capacity and flyover work near Tyndall Air Force Base, the NASA Causeway bridge openings delivered ahead of schedule after multi‑agency coordination, DuPont Bridge cost‑saving work, Central Polk Parkway openings, Suncoast Parkway expansions completed early, and innovative delivery practices such as voluntary acceleration and NEPA assignment to reduce schedule and permitting times.
Several senators questioned Marshall on express lanes and toll revenues. When asked how FDOT decides where to add express lanes, Marshall said FDOT evaluates local long‑range plans, congestion patterns and financial feasibility and coordinates with local agencies. Senator Avila asked about a proposed express lane toward Monroe County and whether express‑lane tolls are being used for local interstate maintenance; Marshall said she would follow up with district staff to provide project‑specific answers.
Vice Chair Polsky raised a policy concern: she said changes to federal HOV rules and the state transportation bill unintentionally removed an electric‑vehicle exemption for express‑lane access, and asked whether express‑lane usage could fall as the exemption phases out. Marshall said FDOT monitors usage but would need to check district data and get back to the committee. Polsky asked staff to analyze statutory and regulatory options to restore EV access.
On constituent concerns about downtown Miami’s I‑395 reconstruction (the project’s arches and reported delays and cost increases), Marshall said the aesthetic elements were developed with community input and FDOT would provide a more detailed update to senators.
What happens next: FDOT committed to provide committee members with follow‑up information on (1) how express lanes are selected and their local revenue uses, (2) details and cost questions about the I‑395 project, and (3) any available data on express‑lane usage changes after policy adjustments.
