Manatee, Sarasota counties' commissioners discuss Diverging Diamond Interchange

If you've traveled on I-75 over the last two months, you have probably noticed construction equipment and dirt moving in the medians of the busy highway, near University Parkway.

Construction crews are working on the Diverging Diamond Interchange project, which is expected to be functional by fall 2017.

To date, the project is on day 89 and is 12% complete, Project Manager with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Marlena Gore told Manatee and Sarasota counties' commissioners at a joint meeting Oct. 29.

Commissioners worried the project wouldn't be completed before the upcoming rowing event, which is expected to attract more than 40,000 visitors to the area.

"There's an incentive to finish in July, so the DDI would be finished by the 2017 World Class Rowing Championships," Gore added. 

The project includes widening I-75 to eight lanes, from University Parkway to Fruitville Road, additional sidewalks, bike lanes, drainage improvements and other improvements.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].