The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has conducted a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study to consider proposed improvements on Interstate 75 (I-75) (State Road 93A) in Manatee and Hillsborough Counties. A map detailing the limits of the project is shown below. This project (shaded purple on the map) extends approximately 23.0 miles from Moccasin Wallow Road to south of US 301. This portion of I-75 travels through the communities of Brandon, Gibsonton, Progress Village, Riverview, Ruskin, and Sun City Center.
Study Purpose and Need
The purpose for the project is to evaluate alternatives to address the corridor’s capacity and relieve congestion. These improvements are expected to enhance the overall safety and improve the operating conditions of the facility within the project limits.
I-75 is a south-north interstate highway that is a major trade and tourism corridor. I-75 is part of the highway network that provides access to regional intermodal facilities such as several general aviation airports, MacDill Air Force Base, several seaports, transit stations, cruise ship terminals and major CSX intermodal rail facilities. It is part of the SIS and is a vital link in the transportation network that connects the Tampa Bay region to the remainder of the state and the nation.
I-75 is a critical evacuation route as shown on the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s evacuation route network. Improvements to I-75 will improve evacuation efforts, when needed, will enhance access to activity centers in the area, and movement of goods and freight in the greater Tampa Bay region. Statewide and regional transportation plans and studies by FDOT and the Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) identify the need for interstate improvements.
Proposed Improvements
The Preferred Build Alternative includes adding two Express Lanes (ELs) in each direction within the existing I-75 median throughout the project limits. The project will also include operational improvements at the interchanges. Improvements would be constructed on the existing alignment. Right of way will be needed for some interchange improvements, stormwater management facilities (ponds for water retention), and floodplain compensation sites.
The Preferred Build Typical Section includes three 12-foot General Use Lanes (GULs), with a 12-foot auxiliary lane at various locations, in each direction. Inside shoulders will be 12 to 15-feet wide with outside shoulders being 12-feet wide. Adjacent to the GULs, within the median, will be two 12-foot ELs. The ELs will be separated from the GULs by a 4-foot buffer. A 2-foot concrete barrier will separate the two directions of travel.
View the typical section graphic
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<!–The FDOT is conducting this PD&E study to evaluate alternatives that improve the operational capacity of I-75. Currently I-75 is a six-lane limited access facility. The preferred alternative for the southern study contains three 12-foot General Use Lanes (GULs) in each direction on the outside and two Tolled Express Lanes (ELs) in each direction on the inside. Inside and outside shoulders will be 12-15 feet wide. The GULs and the ELs are separated by a 6-foot buffer in each direction. For most of the corridor, the border width would be the same as the existing and equal to or greater than the standard 94-foot border. Most of this widening will be done to the inside of the existing lanes with right-of-way required for interchange improvements.–>
