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.
An electronic road sign is toppled over a road information sign pointing the way to Interstate 75, in Fort Myers, Fla., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
(AP Photo/Tim Reynolds)
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.
Vehicles sit in flood waters on the side of Interstate 75 in North Port, Fla., after Hurricane Ian, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022.
(AP Photo/Steve Helber)
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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.
“Florida Highway Patrol is working around the clock with @MyFDOT and partners to respond to bridge and road closures,” the agency tweeted.
(Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida Highway Patrol via Twitter)
“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.
