On April 30, 2026, Gov. Ron DeSantis marked the start of construction on the reconstruction of one of the oldest interchanges on the state highway system — the Interstate 95 interchange at U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach in Volusia County. The Moving Florida Forward project was accelerated by one year and advanced decades ahead of its original long-range schedule through the use of new construction practices developed by the state.
"I was proud to announce the groundbreaking of the reconstructed I-95 and U.S. 1 interchange a year ahead of schedule," said DeSantis. "Thanks to responsible fiscal governance, we are in the position to make transformative investments in our state's infrastructure. Florida is consistently ranked in the top five states with the highest-quality roadways, and the Moving Florida Forward Initiative ensures that Florida will continue to be a model of efficient and cost-effective infrastructure investment."
"These new enhancements will bring much needed congestion relief and safety improvements as U.S. 1 traffic volumes are expected to double in the next 20 years," said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue. "By reconstructing the I-95 interchange and increasing U.S. 1 capacity by 50 percent, this project is expected to have a $554 million regional economic impact in the Volusia County community."
Originally programmed for construction well into the future, the project has been advanced 15 to 20 years and was previously scheduled to begin in 2027. With early mobilization now under way in 2026, major construction activities are expected to ramp up through late 2026 and continue in phased segments over the next several years. Early work includes site preparation, utility relocations, drainage installation and initial earthwork to support new roadway alignments.
The Florida Department of Transportation is delivering the project using a Modified Phased Design-Build approach, which allows design and construction to proceed concurrently. This method enables contractors to begin foundation work and roadway grading while final design packages are still being completed, reducing overall delivery time. Bridge construction is expected to be sequenced in stages, beginning with foundation piling and substructure work, followed by girder placement and deck construction for three new structures.
The redesigned interchange will include three new bridges, reconstructed loop ramps and expanded merge areas to improve traffic flow and reduce conflict points. Crews will extend the northbound off-ramp and southbound on-ramp to provide longer acceleration and deceleration distances. Both I-95 off-ramps will be widened to handle increased traffic volumes and improve safety.
On U.S. 1, a 1-mi. segment will be widened to six lanes. This work will involve roadway excavation, base installation, asphalt paving and shoulder construction, along with upgrades to stormwater systems to accommodate the expanded footprint. Traffic will be maintained throughout construction using phased lane shifts and temporary pavement to minimize disruptions.
As construction progresses, motorists are expected to see incremental improvements as sections of the new interchange open to traffic ahead of full project completion. The accelerated delivery schedule is designed to bring congestion relief and operational benefits online sooner than traditional methods would allow.
In addition to structural and roadway improvements, the project includes architectural enhancements intended to create a gateway feature for Ormond Beach. Decorative elements will be incorporated into bridge structures and retaining walls to reflect the surrounding community while supporting long-term economic growth. CEG
