I-75 Reconstruction Project in Florida County to Improve Traffic Flow, Reduce Delays

General contractor Skanska is leading the reconstruction of Big Bend Road at Interstate 75 interchange in Hillsborough County. The company is spearheading the $81.7-million Design-Build project on behalf of the Florida Department of Transportation. Construction began in August 2021 and completion is slated by end of summer 2024.

Designed by Dewberry, the project scope will encompass the widening and reconstructing of Big Bend Road and reconfiguration of the I-75 ramps, which will improve traffic flow and reduce delays. The overall configuration of Big Bend Road will change from an existing four-lane rural roadway to a six-lane urban highway, consisting of three, 12-foot travel lanes in each direction separated by a raised variable-width median with curb and gutter, and closed-drainage system. A 10-foot, asphalt shared-use path will also be integrated into both sides of the new roadway.

The project will also be upgrading FDOT’s intelligent transportation systems, an initiative that uses advanced technologies and applications to collect real-time traffic information to manage roadway operations. The ITS Facility Management can be used for daily maintenance needs, emergency management and project management.

The planned infrastructure improvements will also include a new displaced left turn lane entrance ramp to I-75 NB, realignment of Old Big Bend Road, the addition of a roundabout at Bullfrog Creek Road, replacement of the existing bridges over Bullfrog Creek using phased construction, dedicated accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists to include a pedestrian tunnel, upgrades to roadway lighting, new signage and adjustment and installation of Hillsborough County wet utilities.