The state is conducting two studies to evaluate the addition of auxiliary lanes between multiple interchanges on Interstate 75 in Marion County, with the goal of reducing the congestion produced by at least one lane closure every 13 hours on the highway from accidents.
The Florida Department of Transportation is currently conducting two project development and environment studies on seven interchanges along the highway.
“To reduce congestions and improve reliability on I-75, these studies are evaluating the addition of an auxiliary lane between interchanges,” reads a statement from FDOT.
One of the studies will focus on three interchanges across approximately 22.5 miles of I-75 south, from State Road 44 to State Road 200.
The other study will focus on four interchanges over an approximately 8-mile stretch of I-75 northbound, from State Road 200 to State Road 326.
In addition to the auxiliary lanes, the project would also call for several other upgrades, including bridge widening and replacements at several of the interchanges, as well as the addition of over two dozen stormwater ponds along the highway.
According to FDOT, the next stage of the project will focus on right of way acquisition, with construction anticipated to begin next Spring.
In documents provided to the public about the project, FDOT reports that every 13 hours, an incident closes at least one lane of the highway, and at least one out of every nine days on the highway, all lanes are closed.
The state has conducted and compiled several reports that it has made available to the public, including traffic analyses, noise studies, and air quality reports, among others.
To view all of the documentation provided by the state, or to send a comment about the project, visit Florida Department of Transportation Project 452074-2 online.