Getting AroundMonday, November 2
FDOT hasn't decided on I-75 auxiliary lanes between Golden Gate Parkway and Alico Road
The Naples Today team
If you drive I-75 in Collier or Lee County, one piece of the widening plan is still open: auxiliary lanes. FDOT held a virtual public meeting on Oct. 28 to take questions on adding them between Golden Gate Parkway and Alico Road. Melody Joyner, an FDOT corridors program development manager, said the lanes are another way to relieve congestion.
“An auxiliary lane allows motorists to travel from an entrance ramp at one interchange to the exit ramp at the next interchange without merging directly into the mainline traffic stream.”
FDOT approved three I-75 pieces but not the auxiliary lanes
| I-75 piece | Status |
|---|---|
| Resurfacing, Golden Gate to Alico | Approved |
| Two express lanes each way to Corkscrew | Approved |
| Diverging diamond at Immokalee Road | Approved |
| Auxiliary lanes, Golden Gate to Alico | No final decision |
Sources: Bradenton Herald, Sportsbook Wire
Work on the approved improvements is expected to begin later this year. FDOT's hearing notice also listed an in-person hearing on Oct. 27 in Naples.
- In-person hearing: Oct. 27, Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd.
- Noise wall details: not in these hearings, coming when available
- Posted limit: 70 mph; drivers go 80 to 90, resident says
- Comments: part of the public record, FDOT will consider them
FDOT held I-75 hearings in August and a virtual meeting Oct. 28
- AugustPublic open houses and hearings addressed noise wall information.
- Oct. 27FDOT scheduled an in-person hearing at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church in Naples.
- Oct. 28FDOT held a virtual public meeting on Microsoft Teams.
- Late 2026Work on the approved improvements is expected to begin.
Sources: Bradenton Herald, Sportsbook Wire
Residents raised concerns at the virtual meeting, and FDOT did not respond. Nick Costa of Bonita Lakes said the maps made it look like I-75 would grow from six to 12 lanes in front of his community, though that wasn't clear. Elena Mola, who lives off Immokalee Road, asked whether FDOT would consider noise-dampening materials.
Sources: Bradenton Herald, Sportsbook Wire