Governor Rick Scott, as part of his ongoing focus to improve Florida’s economy and create jobs, helped break ground for construction of the Eller Drive Overpass project at the entrance to Port Everglades. The $42.5 million project in Broward County is a critical link to improving the movement of people and goods in the area.

“This project is all about jobs, providing an efficient movement of traffic to and from the port and improving the local economy,” said Governor Scott.  “Because of this project, traffic connections will be greatly improved between the port and I-595 and between the port and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.”

Governor Scott was joined by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Ananth Prasad, FDOT District Four Secretary James A. Wolfe, Port Everglades Director Phil Allen, and state and local dignitaries.

“I want to commend all of our partners for working together to provide this important transportation link,” said Secretary Prasad. “These infrastructure improvements are what connect people to businesses and that’s what makes the economy go.”

The Eller Drive Overpass project consists of the construction of a new bridge from the I-595/US 1 interchange over Eller Drive and the Port Everglades Railroad, installation of new railroad tracks and crossing signals, reconstruction of several ramps in the I-595/US 1/Eller Drive interchange, major utility relocations, reconstruction of Eller Drive at three intersections, construction of retention ponds and swales, and new highway lighting and landscaping. Construction is expected to be completed late 2013.