TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Update: The Florida Highway Patrol opened all lanes of Interstate 75 in Sarasota County, according to an update from a trooper.
All lanes between exit 193 at Jacaranda Boulevard and exit 179 at North Port/Toledo Blade Boulevard are open to drivers as of 4 p.m. Saturday. Earlier in the day, FHP consolidated the I-75 closure at Sumter Boulevard.
The Myakka River under I-75 had been rising, making it unsafe for drivers, FDOT explained.
—
Original: Drivers planning on traveling on I-75 to southwest Florida should find an alternate route or follow the detours below.
Drivers going southbound on I-75:
- A detour will be established at exit 257 (Brandon) to re-route drivers east on S.R. 60 to U.S. 98.
- If a driver chooses to continue southbound on I-75, they will only be able to travel as far as exit 191 (Englewood / Jacaranda Blvd).
- At exit 191, drivers will be forced to exit and turn around and return northbound.
Drivers going northbound on I-75:
- A detour will be created at exit 141 (Palm Beach Blvd) to re-route drivers east on S.R. 80 / U.S. 27 to U.S. 98.
- If a driver chooses to continue northbound on I-75, they will only be able to travel as far as exit 179 (North Port / Toledo Blade Blvd).
- At exit 179, drivers will be forced to exit and turn around and return southbound.
FDOT is in contact with WAZE, Google, and Apple Maps at this time.
Major delays are expected in the area, and detours are expected to be in place until the water recedes.
"Please drive with caution through the area as other flooding is being experienced in the area," FDOT says.