I-75 PD&E Study

Project Information

The I-75 PD&E study is being conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in conjunction with Sarasota County and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and will document information necessary for FDOT to reach a decision on the type, design and location of improvements to I-75 within Sarasota County.

Based on long range planning, projected traffic volumes, and projected population and employment growth, the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has made this project a priority in Sarasota County. The MPO’s current 2030 Needs Assessment shows a demand for 10-lanes on I-75 from the Sarasota/Charlotte County line to University Parkway. MPO travel demand estimates indicate that the 2030 daily traffic volumes on I-75 within the study limits will range between 89,000 and 142,000 within Sarasota County. Through the FDOT’s Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) screening process, agency input and concerns were gathered regarding potential impacts to the environment. Specific agreements with the FDOT have been made to include the following work in the project scope.

• A Level 1 Contamination Screening Evaluation Report will be completed.

• The PD&E Study will address the effect of the Florida Intercity Passenger Rail Service Vision Plan on the I-75 widening project.

• FDOT will work with the County and the MPO to update the Long Range Transportation Plan and Cost Feasible Plan.

The 2030 Financially Feasible Long Range Transportation Plan indicates that I-75 has been designated as part of the State of Florida ’s Strategic Intermodal System (SIS), due to its critical role in both the regional and state-wide economy. I-75 also plays an important role in Sarasota County and west coast of Florida ’s emergency evacuation plans. The interstate provides crucial access to northbound evacuation routes for the Gulf Coast communities.