Work will begin on this Manatee County interchange Friday

Construction on the Interstate 75 at State Road 64 interchange begins Friday.

The $39.1 million project will start just weeks after the traffic pattern on Florida’s first diverging diamond interchange was implemented just seven miles to the south.

“The project consists of reconstructing the existing I-75 at S.R. 64 interchange to provide for a diamond configuration interchange and to provide for a future 10-lane roadway along I-75,” according to Florida Department of Transportation documents. “The construction plans also require modifications to the existing interchange bridges, the replacement of the existing interchange entrance and exit ramps, and the widening of S.R. 64 from east of 64th Street Court East to west of Grand Harbour Parkway.”

Prince Contracting LLC, which completed the University Parkway interchange, is also doing this project, which is estimated to be complete in late 2019.

“This week, crews will install construction signage, erosion control devices and setting up safety barrier walls,” according to FDOT email. “Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Drivers should use caution while traveling in this area.”

FDOT also has plans for projects at both the State Road 70 and U.S. 301 interchanges. The $119 million State Road 70 project, which will take 30 months, is expected to start in September 2018. The U.S. 301 project is estimated to start in 2020.

This story was originally published June 8, 2017 at 3:58 PM with the headline "Work will begin on this Manatee County interchange Friday."