State officials will host an open house this week to provide details about proposed improvements at an Ocala intersection that include the addition of a two-way directional median and the extension of turn lanes.
The Florida Department of Transportation is hosting the public forum at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Ocala (120 E Silver Springs Blvd) on Thursday, May 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The meeting will focus on FDOT project 992500-1, which calls for enhancements to safety and efficiency at the intersection of NW 8th Street and Pine Avenue by converting the existing full median opening to a two-way directional median.
Additionally, the approaching northbound and southbound left turn lanes on the roadway will be extended.
“These proposed improvements will allow U-turns and left turns for vehicles traveling northbound and southbound along U.S. 27/301/441. Left turns from NW 8th Street will be prohibited,” reads a statement from FDOT.
The state believes the proposed changes will improve traffic flow and reduce conflict points, which are locations where accidents may occur.
The state will begin designing the changes in early 2026 at a cost of $50,000. Construction is estimated to cost approximately $200,000 and is scheduled to begin in late 2026, according to FDOT.