FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 6, 2026
Contact:
Rocky Moretti (202) 262-0714 (cell)
Carolyn Bonifas Kelly (703) 801-9212 (cell)
Click here for the full report, infographics and news conference recording
CONGESTION ON FLORIDA’S RURAL ROADS TO INCREASE 73 PERCENT BY 2045; STATE’S RURAL ROADS FACE INCREASING CONGESTION, HIGH FATALITY RATES AND RISING FREIGHT DEMANDS AS POPULATION AND ECONOMY GROW
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida’s rural transportation network plays a critical role in supporting the state’s economy and quality of life, but increasing congestion, disproportionately high fatality rates, rising freight movement and increasing construction costs are placing significant strain on these roadways, according to a new report released today by TRIP, a Washinton, DC based national transportation research nonprofit. TRIP’s report, “Keeping Rural Florida Connected,” examines the condition, safety and performance of Florida’s rural roads and highways and highlights the need for continued investment to support economic growth and mobility across the state.
The new report identifies rural corridors in the state with the highest daily traffic levels, the most severe congestion, and the highest share of large truck travel and commercial truck crash rates.
Traffic Congestion Is Increasing on Florida’s Rural Highways
Growing travel demand is creating congestion on many rural highways, reducing mobility and reliability.
- Florida’s rural non-Interstate roads carried 29.4 billion miles of travel in 2023.
- Nearly one-third of two-lane rural State Highway System roads carry at least 8,500 vehicles daily.
- In 2023, 433 miles (23 percent) of rural two-lane state highways were congested.
- By 2045, 748 miles (40 percent) of rural two-lane state highways will be congested, a 73 percent increase.
Florida’s Rural Roads Have Higher Fatal Crash Rates
Traffic fatalities are disproportionately high on Florida’s rural non-Interstate roads. Many rural roads were built decades ago and often lack modern safety features such as adequate shoulders, consistent lane widths, and improved intersection designs.
- In 2023, 625 people were killed on rural non-Interstate roads.
- While 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in Florida occur on rural non-Interstate roads, they carry only 12 percent of the state’s vehicle travel.
- The fatality rate on rural non-Interstate roads is 2.12 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, more than one and a half times higher than the 1.32 rate on all other roads in Florida.
- In 2024, 272 people were killed in crashes involving commercial trucks in Florida. Large trucks account for more than 15 percent of vehicle travel on 1,410 miles of rural state highways.
- The report notes that targeted safety improvements — such as roundabouts, rumble strips, improved lighting and widening lanes and shoulders — have been proven to significantly reduce crashes and save lives.
“By investing in our arterial, farm-to-market roads and assisting small county governments in resurfacing and reconstructing county roads, we can shore up our vital agriculture supply chain,” said Florida State Senate President Ben Albritton. “I’ve always believed that if you can’t measure, you can’t manage. Research and data are critical to inform the decisions we make in Tallahassee, particularly when it comes to where and how to invest limited taxpayer dollars. I’m grateful to TRIP for their thoughtful, research-driven analysis of not only how we can improve our rural transportation infrastructure, but why this investment is so important for the future of our state. Additionally, the report highlights how these investments can improve the safety of rural transportation corridors that are used daily by our rural and farm families and serve as critical evacuation routes for all Floridians during emergencies.”
Rural Roads Are Critical to Florida’s Economy and Communities
Florida’s rural transportation system provides key connections between small communities, urban centers, ports and global markets. The report notes:
- Florida’s population grew 46 percent since 2000, reaching 23.4 million residents. This is the sixth highest increase in the U.S. and more than double the rate of national population growth.
- The state’s population is projected to grow another 22 percent by 2050.
- 32 of Florida’s 67 counties are classified as rural, home to approximately 1.1 million residents.
- Florida’s rural counties support 460,000 jobs and generate $33 billion in annual economic output.
- Each year, 890 million tons of freight valued at $1.1 trillion move to and from locations in Florida. Trucks carry 69 percent of freight by value and 78 percent by weight.
- By 2050, freight movement in Florida is expected to increase 94 percent by value and 48 percent by weight.
“TRIP’s Keeping Rural Florida Connected report highlights the important role a strong transportation network plays in strengthening rural communities and achieving the Florida Chamber’s 2030 Blueprint goal of doubling the share of Florida’s GDP in rural counties,” said Colton Madill, director of economic development, innovation and infrastructure policy for the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Rising Construction Costs Add to Funding Challenges
The report notes that increasing construction costs are making it more expensive to improve and maintain Florida’s transportation system.
- The Federal Highway Administration’s highway construction cost index increased 47 percent from early 2022 through mid-2025.
Investment Needed to Support Safety, Mobility and Economic Growth
The report concludes that maintaining and improving rural transportation infrastructure will be essential to supporting Florida’s growing population, economy and quality of life. Improvements such as roadway widening, intersection upgrades, enhanced safety features and expanded connectivity are needed to reduce crashes, improve freight movement and provide reliable access to jobs, healthcare, education and tourism.
“Florida’s rural roads are essential links that connect communities, support the movement of goods and sustain economic growth,” said David Kearby, executive director of TRIP. “Strategic investment in these roadways will help improve safety, reduce congestion and ensure rural communities remain connected and economically competitive.”