In a significant development for Manatee County’s transportation infrastructure, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has unveiled two new ramps at the Interstate 75 (I-75) and U.S. Highway 301 interchange in Ellenton. This initiative is a pivotal component of a comprehensive $145 million project aimed at enhancing traffic flow and accommodating the region’s anticipated growth.

Details of the New Ramps

The first of these ramps, the southbound on-ramp to I-75, became operational on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 6 a.m. Motorists traveling south on U.S. 301 are now required to make a left turn at a newly installed traffic signal beneath the I-75 overpass to access the interstate. This modification has led to the permanent closure of the previous loop ramp, which was often a bottleneck due to its design.

The subsequent enhancement involves the northbound off-ramp from I-75 to U.S. 301, which opened on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 6 a.m. This new exit ramp, situated approximately one mile south of the former exit, directs vehicles over the Manatee River before merging onto U.S. 301. The strategic relocation and design of this ramp are anticipated to alleviate previous traffic congestion and improve safety for commuters.

Objectives and Anticipated Benefits

The overarching goal of this extensive project is to transform the existing partial cloverleaf interchange into a more efficient tight diamond configuration. This redesign is expected to streamline traffic movements, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for the estimated 100,000 vehicles that navigate this area daily. By eliminating the old loop ramps and introducing signalized intersections, FDOT aims to minimize weaving movements and potential conflict points, thereby promoting smoother traffic flow.

Alex Ruiz, FDOT’s Senior Project Engineer, emphasized the significance of these improvements, stating, “The merging area was so short with the current one that we are getting rid of; there was a lot of weaving, people changing lanes. So now you have four miles if you want to get off on the ramps. It also helps with the speed because people can get going a little faster because there isn’t so much weaving, so that also helps minimize accidents.”

Additional Infrastructure Enhancements

Beyond the ramp modifications, the project encompasses several other critical infrastructure upgrades:

Widening of I-75: Expansion of the interstate to an eight-lane divided roadway, with provisions for future growth up to ten lanes, including express lanes.

Intersection Upgrades: Improvements at key intersections along U.S. 301, specifically at 51st Avenue East, 60th Avenue East, and 19th Street East, to enhance traffic management and safety.

Auxiliary Lanes: Addition of auxiliary lanes between State Road 64 and the new ramps to facilitate smoother merging and reduce congestion.

Implications for the Community

The successful completion of these ramps and associated infrastructure projects is poised to have a profound impact on the local community. Residents and commuters can look forward to reduced travel times, decreased congestion, and enhanced safety. Moreover, these improvements are designed to accommodate the region’s growth, ensuring that the transportation network remains robust and efficient in the coming decades.

FDOT advises all motorists to exercise caution, adhere to posted signage, and familiarize themselves with the new traffic patterns during this transition period. Staying informed and adjusting to these changes will be crucial for ensuring safety and maximizing the benefits of the new infrastructure.