Traveling on I-75? Rising water from Myakka River shuts down 14-mile chunk and forces detours

If you’re traveling on Interstate 75 in Southwest Florida, be prepared for road closures: On Friday night, the Florida Department of Transportation closed a 14-mile chunk of I-75 between mile marker 179 near North Port and mile marker 193 near Englewood in the Sarasota-Charlotte counties area because of rising water from the Myakka River.

“Please be advised that the Myakka River under Interstate 75 (I-75) has risen and impacted the interstate, no longer making it safely passable for motorists,” the FDOT said in a news release Friday night..

The stretch will be closed in both directions until the water recedes. The Myakka River, part of which runs under I-75, has risen after Hurricane Ian.

Those planning on traveling on I-75 to Southwest Florida should seek an alternate route or follow FDOT’s detours. Major delays are expected in the area.

Here’s more information on the provided detours.

If you’re traveling southbound

FDOT is establishing a detour at exit 257 to Brandon. It will reroute travelers east on State Road 60 to U.S. 98.

If you don’t leave before exit 193s, you will be forced to exit and return northbound.

If you’re traveling northbound

FDOT is establishing a detour at exit 141 to Palm Beach Boulevard. It will reroute travelers east on State Road 80/U.S. 27 to U.S. 98.

If you don’t leave before exit 179, you will be forced to exit and return southbound.

You can visit www.FL511.com or download the app for the latest on road closures and travel routes.