Flooding Between North Port and Englewood Closes I-75

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Update, Oct. 1, 2022: All northbound and southbound lanes on I-75 have been reopened.
Hurricane Ian continues to cause major impacts in Sarasota County. The Myakka River under Interstate 75 (I-75) has risen and impacted the interstate, meaning it's no longer safe for motorists to pass. Due to the rising water, I-75 in both directions is now closed from mile marker 179 (North Port/Toledo Blade Boulevard) to mile marker 193 (Englewood/Jacaranda Boulevard). People planning on traveling on I-75 to southwest Florida should seek an alternative route or follow the detours below.
TRAFFIC ALERT: I-75 at the Sumter Blvd. exit is SHUT DOWN from Toledo Blade Blvd. to Jacaranda Blvd. both ways. Vehicles travelling northbound will be diverted to Toledo Blade Blvd. and southbound will be diverted to Jacaranda Blvd. pic.twitter.com/b8Zfvw59d9
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) October 1, 2022
Motorists traveling southbound on I-75:
- A detour will be established at exit 257 (Brandon) to re-route motorists east on S.R. 60 to U.S. 98.
- If a motorist chooses to continue southbound on I-75, they will only be able to travel as far as exit 193 (Englewood/Jacaranda Boulevard).
- At exit 193, motorists will be forced to exit and turn around and return northbound.
Motorists traveling northbound on I-75:
- A detour will be established at exit 141 (Palm Beach Boulevard) to re-route motorists east on S.R. 80/U.S. 27 to U.S. 98.
- If a motorist chooses to continue northbound on I-75, they will only be able to travel as far as exit 179 (North Port/Toledo Blade Boulevard).
- At exit 179, motorists will be forced to exit and turn around and return southbound.
HELP IS ON THE WAY: Chief Troche, Captain Konstantopoulos and our Emergency Response Team are heading south to assist our brothers and sisters @NorthPortPolice. They’ll be assisting with bringing water, MREs and helping however they can. #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/WQY1FDvTZf
— Sarasota Police Department (@SarasotaPD) September 30, 2022
Motorists should avoid I-75 between mile markers 179 and 193. As driver safety is the top priority, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida Highway Patrol will continue to monitor the river and bridge. FDOT is in contact with WAZE, Google, and Apple Maps.
Major delays are expected in the area, so plan accordingly. The detours will be in place until the water recedes.