Florida’s Interstate 75 remains largely impassable Saturday afternoon after being closed due to flooding.
The Florida Department of Transportation said in a statement late Friday that I-75 is no longer safe for motorists due to rising water levels in the Myakka River.
“Due to rising water, I-75 in both directions is now closed from milepost 179 (North Port/Toledo Blade Blvd) to milepost 191 (Englewood/Jacaranda Blvd),” it said. he explains.
Those traveling on I-75 to southwest Florida have been asked to research an alternate route or follow a list of detours.
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Motorists were advised to avoid I-75 between mileposts 179 and 193.
On Saturday, the FDOT said the freeway was closed only southbound at exit 193 and northbound at exit 179.
The department said so, and the Florida Highway Patrol would continue to monitor the river and the bridge.
FDOT is also in contact with WAZE, Google and Apple Maps.
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Floridians were urged to visit www.FL511.com or download the app for up-to-date information
Significant delays were expected in the area and motorists were advised to plan accordingly.
“Alternations should be in place until the water recedes. Please drive with caution in the area as further flooding is occurring in the area,” FDOT wrote.
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Footage showed cars in traffic jams earlier this morning – some of which were bringing in emergency supplies.
Fox Weather’s Max Gorden said the shutdown threw a “big wrench” into those operations as the Cajun Navy feared it wouldn’t have enough supplies to give to those in need after Hurricane Ian.