On Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott showcased the launch of a diverging diamond interchange project at I-75 to improve traffic in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
At the ground breaking in Bradenton, Scott highlighted the $74.5 million project which will focus on the new traffic flow at I-75 and University Parkway, heading down to Fruitville Road. Over the next two years, the project will expand the Interstate to eight lanes in the main road with three through lanes and an auxilllary lane on both sides of the highway. Bridges will be rebuilt and widened as part of the project and noise walls will be added in the area.
The project is expected to lead to 120 construction jobs, help create 400 indirect jobs and be finished by September 2017. Proponents of the project insist it will increase the pace of traffic and lead to less accidents in the area.
“We are excited to announce the kick-off of Florida’s first ever diverging diamond for drivers in Sarasota and Manatee counties,” Scott said on Wednesday. “Its construction on I-75 will help to ease traffic flow and keep Florida families and visitors safe, while also creating over 400 jobs for the community.”
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jim Boxold also said the project would lead to less congestion.
“Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Scott, the people of Sarasota and Manatee counties will be safer and their commutes will be faster when this project is complete,” Boxold said. “This governor understands that investments in transportation infrastructure can save lives, stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life for Florida families.”
Members of the state Legislature were on hand for the ground breaking on Wednesday, including Florida Sens. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, Nancy Detert, R-Venice, and Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton.
“The I-75 University Parkway Interchange project will help to create jobs and keep Florida families and tourists safe as they travel through Sarasota and Manatee counties,” Galvano said. “I am proud to stand with Gov. Scott and all my fellow legislators in support of investing in our top-notch transportation network.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
