What to know about I-4 expansion in Hillsborough

Driving the news: Researchers at Florida Polytechnic University found that the intersection of I-4 and I-75 is among the most affected stretches of the corridor for traffic congestion and crashes.

• To that end, DeSantis announced last week that he was moving a project planned for 2037 up to 2027 to add new express lanes on I-4 between Interstate 75 and County Line Road in Plant City.
• The new lanes could be tolled and have fewer exits, according to the Tampa Bay Times, similar to those in Orlando. The plan also includes a new truck parking facility in Polk County to further ease traffic.

What they're saying: "These express lanes," the governor said in a statement, "will bring significant congestion relief to the traveling public by separating long-distance traffic from local commuter traffic."

Zoom out: Two new lanes opened months ahead of schedule in April along a six-mile stretch of I-4 dubbed "the nation's most congested corridor," the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Reality check: There's debate over whether adding lanes to highways eases congestion.

• Transit advocates, per the Times, point to research that suggests that when interstates are widened, more drivers are drawn to them, which ultimately leads to more congestion.