Florida’s Interstate 75 remains largely impassable Saturday afternoon following a flood closure.
In a release late Friday, the Florida Department of Transportation said Interstate 75 is no longer safe to travel because water levels in the Myakka River have risen.
“Due to rising water levels, both directions of I-75 are currently closed from Mile Marker 179 (Northport/Toledo Blades Boulevard) to Mile Marker 191 (Inglewood/Jacaranda Blvd.),” it said. increase.
People heading to southwest Florida on Interstate 75 were told to find another route or follow a list of detours.
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Motorists were advised to avoid I-75 between mile markers 179 and 193.
On Saturday, the FDOT said the interstate was closed only to Exit 193 southbound and Exit 179 northbound.
The department said the Florida Highway Patrol will continue to monitor the river and bridges.
FDOT is also in contact with WAZE, Google and Apple Maps.
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Floridians were instructed to visit www.FL511.com or download the app for the latest information.
Significant delays were expected in the area and drivers were advised to plan accordingly.
“Diversions are expected to be put in place until the water recedes. Please drive carefully through the area as other floods are occurring in the area,” FDOT wrote.
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Images showed cars stuck in traffic early this morning. Some of them were carrying emergency supplies.
Fox Weather’s Max Gorden said the Cajun Navy was concerned that it wouldn’t have enough supplies to provide assistance to those in need after Hurricane Ian, and the closure would “add to these operations.” He said he threw a “big wrench.”