Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has signed a measure into law permitting private companies to partner with the state on roadway projects.

A proponent of the new law, Rep. Ron Reagan, R-Bradenton, told The Miami Herald the provision is intended to help facilitate projects, such as “reversible lane” toll roads, that let drivers pay a premium to use special lanes to bypass congestion.

Giving private companies authority to add onto Florida’s highways isn’t a new concept. The state passed a law in 1991 allowing private companies to construct toll roads or passenger rail services that would help alleviate highway backups, although the state Transportation Department kept some oversight for those projects.

And although several companies have expressed interest in projects, the provision hasn’t been used, Reagan said.

The new law, previously S1456, authorizes the highway department to form partnerships with companies interested in building or adding to roads. The agency would supply some of the necessary resources to make the projects work, the newspaper reported.

This, Reagan said, would allow new roads to be “built today instead of waiting five years.”

The contract with private industry is expected to add to the number of lanes across the state while allowing companies to collect tolls to pay for their investments.

In addition, the roads would be required to fall within FDOT’s existing five-year plans.