A new on-ramp to Interstate 75 South opens this week in Manatee County

A new on-ramp from State Road 70 East to Interstate 75 South will open on Wednesday in East Manatee County near Lakewood Ranch, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

The ramp, which closed for construction in late June, will reopen at 5 a.m. Wednesday and cause a change in traffic route.

During the construction period, accessing the interstate from S.R. 70 E. required a left turn. Now, eastbound S.R. 70 motorists will instead bear right at the new ramp to travel onto I-75 South.

S.R. 70 West drivers that want to access I-75 South will continue to use the I-75 southbound loop ramp. The ramp exit for westbound drivers is to the right, just after passing under the interstate bridge.

“Motorists are urged to exercise caution and follow posted detour signage,” FDOT said in a news release about the change.

Law enforcement officers will be present for the traffic shift, according to the agency.