Lane closures expected at I-75/University Parkway on Friday evening

UNIVERSITY PARK -- Two lane closures are planned for Friday night as work on the Diverging Diamond Interchange at Interstate 75 and University Parkway continues.

The outside northbound lane of I-75 will be closed north of Fruitville Road and the outside southbound lane of I-75 will be closed north of University Parkway from 8 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday, according to a Florida Department of Transportation news release.

"Traffic will merge from three lanes to two lanes. Expect delays," the release states.

Construction on the first diverging diamond interchange in Florida began Aug. 3 and is expected to be completed in about two years -- in time for the Sept. 24-Oct. 1, 2017, World Rowing Championship at Nathan Benderson Park.

Other planned improvements include:

- Adding auxiliary lanes on northbound and southbound I-75.

- Constructing new bridges over I-75 over University Parkway.

- Widening University Parkway and I-75 bridges over Erie Creek and Foley Creek.

- Realigning on-ramps and off-ramps at I-75/University Parkway.

- Adding ponds and drainage improvements.

- New lighting and signals.

- Constructing a noise wall on the west side of I-75.

- Adding sidewalks, bike lanes and walkways.

For more information about the project, visit www.swflroads.com/i75/university/.

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published August 21, 2015 at 11:08 AM with the headline "Lane closures expected at I-75/University Parkway on Friday evening ."