Public hearing for I-75 improvements set for June 26 and 27

Motorists drive on I-75 as shown from the Southwest 66th Street bridge south of Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing regarding the Project Development and Environment Study for the Interstate 75 improvements from south of State Road 44 to SR 200 on Wednesday, June 26 (in-person) and Thursday, June 27 (virtual), at 5:30 p.m. All attendees, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the same information.

The purpose of the project is to reduce congestion and improve reliability on I-75 through the addition of an auxiliary lane between interchanges within the project limits. The Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative (fdot.gov/movingfloridaforward) allowed FDOT to advance the improvements, with construction anticipated to begin in spring 2025.

• In-person option: Participants may attend by going to the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, at 5:30 p.m. on June 26 to view hearing materials prior to the presentation at 6 p.m., which will be followed by a public comment period.

• Virtual option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet or mobile device at 5:30 p.m. on June 27. Advance registration is required by visiting bit.ly/fdotsouthhearingrsvp. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the hearing online. The virtual hearing will open at 5:30 p.m. as an open house to allow participants to view the hearing materials prior to the presentation.  The presentation will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a public comment period.

Those who are unable to attend the hearing may view all materials, including the presentation, and provide comments through the project website at cflroads.com/project/452074-2. People also may contact FDOT Project Manager Stephen Browning by phone at (386) 943-5422 or email at [email protected].

A copy of the draft project documents will be available for public review through July 8 at the following locations and on the project website:

• Marion Oaks Public Library, 294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala, from 10a.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The Villages Public Library at Pinellas Park, 7375 Powell Road, Suite 100, Wildwood, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.