New I-75 Overpass Connecting Mall at UTC to Lakewood Ranch Awaits Approval
A new I-75 overpass could be coming to Sarasota County. The County says the potential new 75 overpass, would link the area by The Mall at University Town Center with Waterside section of Lakewood Ranch.
The next steps in the process will happen once the Project Development and Environment study, that is needed is completed in June of this year.
The study is called — the Multimodal North Sarasota Connector —it will need approval from the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Highway Administration.
The new overpass could ease traffic congestion at the diverging diamond interchange at University Parkway and I-75... as well as the new, still to be re-configured diamond interchange planned for Fruitville Road and I-75.
The overpass would allow pedestrians and cyclists to move more easily and safely, between the two areas.
After the Sarasota County Commission held a public hearing in August, the commissioners approved the route for the connector.
The route crosses between Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Cattleman Road, just north of the Sarasota County water tower (adjacent to 75, across from Benderson Park).
In terms of the funding for this project.... Schroeder-Manatee Ranch is funding a public and private partnership involved with the project at the Project Development and Environment study and design stages.
The project is approaching 90% completion on the design plans and permitting.
Once the design phase is complete, the county will work on obtaining right of way and construction funding.
The project is estimated to cost about $30 million and is eligible for federal, state and local funding. The county and private partners will begin securing funding this year.
Construction could begin in 2025 as long as the county receives approval on the Project Development and Environment study and all funding is secured.
If construction begins in 2025, the project is anticipated to be complete in 2027.
Photo: Getty Images
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