Florida’s Interstate 75 remains largely impassable on Saturday afternoon following a closure due to flooding.
The Florida Department of Transportation said in a release late Friday that I-75 was no longer safely passable for motorists due to the rising waters of the Myakka River.
“Due to the rising water, I-75 in both directions is now closed from mile marker 179 (North Port / Toledo Blade Blvd) to mile marker 191 (Englewood / Jacaranda Blvd),” it explained.
Those traveling on I-75 to southwest Florida were instructed to seek an alternative route or follow a list of detours.
Motorists were advised to avoid I-75 between mile markers 179 and 193.
An electronic highway sign lies toppled on a highway information sign pointing the way to Interstate 75, in Fort Myers, Fla., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, following Hurricane Ian.
(AP Photo/Tim Reynolds)
On Saturday, FDOT said that the interstate was only closed southbound at Exit 193 and northbound at Exit 179.
The department said it and the Florida Highway Patrol would continue to monitor the river and bridge.
FDOT is also in contact with WAZE, Google and Apple Maps.
Vehicles sit in floodwaters on the side of Interstate 75 in North Port, Fla., following Hurricane Ian, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022.
(AP Photo/Steve Helber)
HURRICANE IAN IN FLORIDA SPURS FRANTIC MESSAGES ABOUT MISSING LOVED ONES AND WRECKED HOMES
Floridians were instructed to visit www.FL511.com or download the app for up-to-date information
Major delays were expected in the area and motorists were advised to plan accordingly.
“The Florida Highway Patrol is working around-the-clock with @MyFDOT & partners to respond to bridge & road closures,” the agency tweeted.
(Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida Highway Patrol via Twitter)
“The detours are expected to be in place until the water recedes. Please drive with caution through the area as other flooding is being experienced in the area,” FDOT wrote.
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Images showed cars in gridlock earlier this morning – some of which were bringing emergency supplies.
Fox Weather’s Max Gorden said that the closure had thrown a “big wrench” into those operations, with the Cajun Navy worrying it did not have enough supplies to give to those in need following Hurricane Ian.
