Lane and shoulder closures will be in effect for a multi-mile stretch of northbound Interstate 75 in Marion County every night next week for milling, clearing, and gopher tortoise relocation.
The Florida Department of Transportation is advising motorists of single lane closures on I-75, from County Road 462 to County Road 484, beginning Sunday, September 21.
The closures will be in effect for milling and paving operations on the highway each night from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., through Friday, September 26.
In addition to the lane closure, the shoulder will be closed on northbound I-75, from CR 484 to State Road 200, every day this week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The work on the shoulder includes clearing and grubbing, as well as gopher tortoise relocation.
“FDOT is committed to building a transportation system that not only fits the current needs of Florida’s residents and visitors but also enhances mobility throughout the state to accommodate its consistent and rapid growth,” reads a statement from FDOT on the closure.
The work is part of I-75 improvements being made throughout Marion and Sumter counties.
Project 452074-2 calls for the enhancement of I-75 from Marion County to Sumter County, from south of State Road 44 to SR 200. A second project will focus on enhancements from SR 200 to SR 326.
The improvements also include the addition of a new auxiliary lane in each direction through both counties. Those lanes will provide ramp-to-ramp connections that will “reduce congestion and improve reliability,” according to the state.