You only get one chance to make a good first impression, the saying goes.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working to improve on that impression for motorists entering the state on I-95 and I-75.
VISIT FLORIDA reports that more than 97 million people visit the state annually, many of them arriving by car.
New “Florida Welcomes You” tower gateway signs are going up at the state lines in Nassau and Hamilton counties as part of a $3.4 million enhancement project that started this month.
The new signs on southbound I-95 and I-75, as well as scaled down versions of the signs for photo opportunities at the welcome centers, are part of the project. Included are “Thank You for Visiting Florida” signs for northbound traffic leaving the state
Daytime single lane closures are possible on southbound I-95 and I-75 Monday through Thursday. Double lane closures are possible on I-95 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Additionally, a limited amount of pile driving will be necessary on I-95 and is only allowed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for one 12-consecutive day period. Lane closures are not allowed from 6 a.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Sunday and no work is allowed during holidays and special events.
FDOT hired West Construction Inc., of Lake Worth to complete the project which includes construction of four roadside towers and two scaled-down replica towers and hardscape renovation that includes new sidewalks, fencing and lighting at the welcome centers. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall.
Similar work is being done on I-10 at the state line and welcome center in Escambia County.
FDOT Northeast 