Florida begins construction on states first diverging diamond interchange

Manatee County, Fla. — In early September, Florida Governor Rick Scott announced the kick-off of the diverging diamond interchange project at I-75 in Sarasota and Manatee counties – the first of its kind in the state. This project will improve traffic flow and enhance safety at this intersection. This $74.5 million reconstruction is set to be completed in time for the World Rowing Championships in September 2017. Construction of the project is expected to bring an estimated 120 direct construction jobs and an additional 400 indirect jobs to southwest Florida.

The project expands I-75 to an eight-lane freeway with three through lanes and an auxiliary lane in each direction from University Parkway Interchange South to Fruitville Road interchange. The auxiliary lanes will provide a dedicated travel lane between the two interchanges.

The project also includes rebuilding I-75 bridges over University Parkway and widening I-75 bridges at Foley Creek and Errie Creek. FDOT also plans to widen approximately one mile of University Parkway from Cattlemen Road to Market Street to accommodate the interchange improvements. The new interchange will improve pedestrian safety, ensure interstate traffic flows between two interchanges, alleviate delays, and reduce left hand turns into crossing traffic for all users.