Ocala I-75 gateway project approved by city council

After a unanimous approval from Ocala City Council on Tuesday night, the Gateway feature on the Southwest 42nd Street flyover at Interstate 75 is a go.

The signage feature, which is being built in partnership with Ocala and Marion County, will welcome northbound drivers on I-75 into the Ocala area.

“The Gateway is intended to promote and advertise tourism in the state of Florida by serving as an identification marker alerting traveling motorists to their arrival in the Ocala, Marion County area,” according to the city

While the city will maintain the flyover bridge, the county will be responsible for the gateway’s construction and upkeep.

According to conceptual drawings, the gateway will feature 6-foot letters spelling out “Ocala,” vertical towers with opportunities to display the county logo, an upgraded pedestrian safety fence and surrounding landscape enhancements.

The gateway feature is still pending approval from the Florida Department of Transportation.