Need for Project 

The need for this project has been identified in the I-75 Engineering/Multi-Modal Master Plan completed in August 1998, and is included in the Lee County and Charlotte County Comprehensive Plans and the Charlotte County-Punta Gorda Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO’s) Long Range Transportation Plan.  The 2020 Ultimate Improvements are comprised of upgrades to the mainline roadway and interchanges needed to accommodate traffic projected through the year 2020.

Description of Project

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study to address proposed improvements to Interstate 75 (I-75) in Lee and Charlotte Counties, Florida, based on the recommendations of the 1998 Multi-Modal Master Plan.  The study limits are from SR 78 (Bayshore Road) to CR 769 (Kings Highway) (see Project Location Map on home page). The purpose of the study is to determine the best option to meet the future traffic requirements in this portion of Southwest Florida.  The Multi-Modal Master Plan indicates the need to widen the existing four-lane divided facility to six or eight lanes to accommodate future traffic. In addition, improvements will be made to the existing interchanges to alleviate current operational and safety deficiencies and accommodate future travel demand.  Bridge structures will be widened to accommodate the additional traffic lanes.  The improvements will be constructed within the existing right-of-way, with the possible exception of interchange improvements, bridge widening, and potential stormwater retention facilities.