<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0N54iZ_1FI0pe6F00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0N54iZ_1FI0pe6F00" width="1200" height="630" >VERO BEACH — After years of construction, blocked roads and orange barrels, drivers may not have much longer to wait for a new way onto I-95 from southern Indian River County.A spokesperson for the project says the $95.8 million Oslo Road/I-95 interchange project is approximately 90% complete and is now expected to be finished later this year — significantly ahead of schedule.The project’s approved contract runs through spring 2027, but the contractor has proposed a voluntary early-completion schedule targeting late 2026, according to FDOT. The agency cautions that the timeline remains subject to weather and unforeseen circumstances.Throughout construction, FDOT, the contractor and the Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) team have worked collaboratively to address field conditions and identify opportunities to accelerate the work where feasible.Once complete and approved by FDOT, the interchange’s northbound and southbound ramps will open simultaneously.For Vero Beach and Fort Pierce residents who have watched the project take shape since construction began in August 2023, the new interchange promises a more direct route to I-95 without having to travel north to State Road 60 or south to Indrio Road.“I think it’s great that they’re doing that,” said Fort Pierce resident Mary H. “And I wish they had done a long time ago.”Mary said the interchange will make it easier for her and visitors to get where they’re going without having to travel farther to access I-95.For Vero Beach resident Rich L., the interchange will also be a welcome convenience.“Instead of cutting all the way up to 60th and going over, you know, it might be easier to get on there because it’s less crowded,” he said.But not everyone sees the project as an unqualified benefit.Enrique J., who lives near the project, fears the interchange could bring increased traffic to the area because motorists will have a new access point to I-95.“They’ll be able to get off here at Oslo instead of either 60 or Indrio,” he said.At the same time, Enrique said the interchange will make his own trips easier.“It’s going to be easier for me to go north or south because I don’t live far from here,” he said.The project includes construction of the new I-95 interchange as well as widening Oslo Road within the project limits. Oslo Road currently is open with one lane in each direction.FDOT said the remaining work includes placing the final asphalt friction course and pavement markings, installing lighting and permanent signs, completing sidewalks and turf, and testing intelligent transportation system components.The project has not been without challenges.During the 2024 rainy season, groundwater conditions affected construction of the westbound Oslo Road travel lanes. FDOT and the project’s engineering teams modified the pavement design so construction could continue while meeting safety and performance standards.The project also encountered conflicts involving existing utilities. Florida Power &amp; Light relocated transmission lines underground after they conflicted with construction of the new bridge, while an existing water main had to be redesigned and relocated because of a conflict with a proposed drainage structure. FDOT said the latter issue affected that portion of the construction schedule by approximately four months.Despite those setbacks, FDOT said construction crews have been able to recover time by changing construction sequencing and performing multiple activities simultaneously.The payoff, once the work is finished, will be direct access to I-95 from southern Indian River County, according to FDOT.The agency said the interchange and associated road improvements are intended to improve connectivity and safety, relieve congestion and improve emergency response times.For motorists watching the construction progress from the ground — and increasingly from above — the finish line is now coming into view.And if the contractor’s proposed schedule holds, drivers could be using the new interchange before the calendar turns to 2027.FDOT cautioned that the late-2026 target remains subject to weather and unforeseen circumstances.</div></body>

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VERO BEACH — After years of construction, blocked roads and orange barrels, drivers may not have much longer to wait for a new way onto I-95 from southern Indian River County. A spokesperson for the project says the $95.8 million Oslo Road/I-95 interchange project is approximately 90% complete and...

Oslo Road interchange could open by year’s end

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VERO BEACH — After years of construction, blocked roads and orange barrels, drivers may not have much longer to wait for a new way onto I-95 from southern 

Oslo Road interchange could open by year’s end

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