New On-Ramp at US 301 and I-75 Opens to Ease Manatee County Traffic

Drivers in Manatee County now have a faster and more efficient route thanks to the opening of a new on-ramp at the US 301 and I-75 interchange near the Manatee River. Beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday, the new northbound US 301 ramp connecting to southbound I-75 became operational, promising significant improvements for commuters in the area.

The updated interchange is designed to streamline traffic flow for drivers traveling between Palmetto and Parrish heading south toward Sarasota and those traveling between Bradenton, Sarasota, and Tampa. The most notable change affects northbound traffic: Drivers can now bypass the previous traffic signal and merge onto I-75 by staying to the right, enabling a smoother entry onto the interstate.

The new on-ramp is part of a broader initiative by the Florida Department of Transportation to accommodate increased traffic volumes in the region. This improvement is expected to provide immediate relief for the heavy traffic common during the busy winter season and beyond.

This addition to the I-75 corridor is just one phase of a larger project to enhance traffic capacity and extend the roadway's efficiency for decades to come. With this development, drivers can expect reduced congestion and improved travel times across Manatee County and neighboring regions.