Sarasota CountyGov and FDOT_SWFL are evaluating a new four-lane overpass over Interstate 75 between Fruitville Road and University Parkway

 

FDOT

 

 

The project proposes a four-lane overpass, two eastbound and two westbound lanes, over I-75, between the Fruitville Road and University Parkway interchanges in Sarasota County. The project is in the Lakewood Ranch area, a large mixed-used development and activity center. I-75 is a six-lane, Urban Principal Arterial-Interstate with a speed limit of 70 miles per hour.

There are three build alternatives being evaluated as part of the proposed overpass project.  The current alternatives are as follows:

Alternative 1: North Cattlemen Road to Professional Parkway

Alternative 2: North Cattlemen Road to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard

Alternative 3: Deer Hollow Boulevard to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and FDOT.

Purpose and Need

The purpose of the project is to enhance access to destinations east and west of I-75 and to provide relief of traffic congestion on both Fruitville Road and University Parkway, partly attributed to increased traffic demand from existing and planned development in the Lakewood Ranch area. The need for the project is supported by improving transportation network connectivity and improving operational conditions.

Existing and planned developments in the Lakewood Ranch area have increased the travel demand to use Fruitville Road and University Parkway and their interchanges with I-75. Currently there is no efficient access to employment centers and commercial activity in the Lakewood Ranch area and other destinations east and west of I-75 within the vicinity of the project area. Under existing conditions, travelers have access to Lakewood Ranch area and other destinations east and west of I-75 via Fruitville Road and University parkway which are congested and travelers experience long delays. Traffic analysis documented in the Traffic Technical Memorandum: I-75 Overpass Transportation Impact Assessment (prepared in Feb. 2016; revised in Sept. 2016) suggests that creating a link that connects destinations east and west of I-75 and Lakewood Ranch area would relieve existing and future congestions on Fruitville Road and University parkway, and therefore, improve accessibility for travelers.