I-75 Interchange at SR 64 in Midst of Redesign

LAKEWOOD RANCH – At Monday's MPO meeting, FDOT representatives displayed how I-75 is being fitted with a design that could take it to a total of 10 lanes. The location of on and off ramps for S.R. 64 currently fall short of moving the traffic that will someday fill those 10 lanes. Safety is the major concern that redesign is needed. By 2035, traffic at that intersection will come close to doubling what it is today.

FDOT's PD&E (Project Development and Environment) study started almost a decade ago. In February of 2008, the first workshop to enhance the intersection was assembled, and in November of 2008 a public hearing was held. In December of 2011, FDOT's PD&E was submitted and approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In October of 2015, an Interchange Modification Report was submitted and approved. These actions led to Monday's MPO design report.

This proposed redesign is all part of a project that runs from I-75 at University Parkway (south), 15 miles north to just beyond the I-75 interchange at the Moccasin Wallow Road exit (north). The cost is approximately $47 million. A 2017 start time is anticipated with a 22-month schedule until completion.

SR 64 will be enhanced with a seven-foot bike lane and a five-foot sidewalk. Quality high-volume lighting and Bold Landscaping are both in the plan along with provisions for accident investigation pull-over sites on both I-75 exits ramps for safety.

There will be a Public Information Meeting Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the Source Church, located at 5412 East S.R. 64 in Bradenton. It begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m.

Display boards and project representatives will be there to assist. If there are any questions, call Jeff Mednick FDOT District One Project Management at (863) 519-2834, or email: jeffery.mednick@dot.state.fl.us.