Here’s a round-up of information, images, plans and documents related to the new auxiliary lanes being added to I-75.
What is it?
There’s an investment of $4 Billion from the General Revenue Surplus starting in the 2023-2024 budget year to be allocated to The Moving Florida Forward project which includes adding auxiliary lanes (going from the current 3 lanes to 4 lanes in each direction) from Wildwood, all the way through Belleview, and Ocala ending at SR 326.
What’s the Ocala I-75 timeline and where are we now?
We are currently in the planning stage with construction to begin in in 2025.
Interstate 75 (I-75) from State Road (S.R.) 44 to S.R. 326: This project involves adding auxiliary lanes to I-75 in each direction between S.R. 44 and S.R. 326. It will include interchange modifications and right-of-way acquisition for future widening. Construction starts in Spring 2025.
Is this because of the new World’s Largest Buc-ee’s coming to Ocala?
No, but it is estimated about 90% of the anticipated traffic to Buc-ee’s is expected to come from I-75, so the new interchange there will be very welcome indeed. The interchange is expected to reduce traffic up to 17% on U.S. 27 and up to 18% on State Road 326 both east and west of the interstate.
This map shows the location of the new I-75 interchange where Bus-ee’s will be located
Which bridges and overpasses have to be widened or replaced?
- The CR 475 (Belleview) overpass will be replaced entirely
- The SW 66th overpass will also be replaced entirely (this overpass has been damaged several times in recent years)
- The SW20th Street bridge (near CF and E-One) will be widened
- The NW 63rd overpass will also be replaced entirely
- A brand new interchange will be added (with a diverging diamond traffic pattern) will be added at NE 49th Ave.
Ocala I-75 bridge and overpass widening and replacement
What will the new I-75 look like?
Here’s a detailed illustration of the widening and roadbed plans.
Detailed illustration of I-75 widening in Ocala
Where is this project starting and stopping?
Detailed Map of I-75 Widening through Ocala
