The I-75 PD&E study is being conducted by the FDOT in conjunction with Hillsborough and Manatee Counties and the FHWA. The study will document information necessary for the FDOT and FHWA to reach a decision on the type, design and location of improvements to I-75.

Based on long-range planning, projected population and employment growth, and projected traffic volumes, the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Sarasota/Manatee MPO have made this project a priority in Hillsborough County and Manatee County. Portions of the proposed project are included in the Hillsborough County MPOs Year 2035 Cost Affordable Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), as an unfunded six/eight–lane facility with four-special purpose lanes. MPO travel demand estimates indicate that in 2035, daily traffic volumes will double on I-75 due to the number of approved new developments including large residential communities and the South Bend Mall which is planned for the southwest quadrant of I-75 and Big Bend Road.

This portion of I-75 was evaluated in the Programming Screen of the Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) process as Project # 8002 in 2007. During preliminary planning for this project through the FDOT’s ETDM screening process, agency comments were received. As a result the Federal Highway Administration has determined that this project qualifies as a Type 2 Categorical Exclusion.

RECOMMENDED TYPICAL SECTIONS

The Recommended Build Alternative typical section consists of 12 travel lanes with two 12-foot general use lanes in each direction and three 12-foot special use lanes in each direction. The proposed typical section would provide a minimum 22-foot median that would include a 2-foot concrete barrier wall and 10-foot paved shoulders on both sides of the wall. A 6-foot buffer, consisting of paint and/or plastic pylons, would separate the SULs from the GULs. Under the Recommended Build Alternative, the proposed widening of I-75 would mainly occur to the inside, within the existing median. The widening of I-75 can be constructed within the existing right of way. Additional right of way will be required, however, for interchange enhancements, stormwater management facilities, and floodplain compensation sites.

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Your comments are very important. You may send us your comments via the Comments page on this web site so that they can be considered in the selection of the preferred alternative. You can also sign up to be put on the mailing list for future project information on this page.