Ocala, Fla. – Improvements to Northeast 36th Avenue in Ocala will reach a milestone this week when traffic is shifted to a new bridge, which is located between Northeast 21st and Northeast 24th streets over the CSX rail line. The new bridge separates train traffic from road traffic, allowing for more mobility on this well-traveled roadway.

The work for the shift is scheduled to start overnight Thursday, Oct. 15, and the new traffic pattern is expected to be in place in the morning on Friday, Oct. 16.

At the same time, construction crews will commence the next phase of construction with work at two intersections. Northeast 21st Street and Northeast 24th Street will be closed to thru traffic on the west side of their intersections with Northeast 36th Avenue. Access to businesses and residences along these roads will be maintained.

Detour routes are as follows and are expected to remain in effect until sometime in February:

• Drivers on eastbound Northeast 24th Street who want to access Northeast 36th Avenue will be directed to turn south on Northeast 25th Avenue, then left (east) on Northeast 14th Street to get to Northeast 36th Avenue.
• Drivers heading west on Northeast 21st Street approaching Northeast 36th Avenue will be directed to turn left (south) on Northeast 36th Avenue, then right (west) on Northeast 14th Street, then right (north) on Northeast 30th Avenue to get back to Northeast 21st Street.
• Drivers who want to go east on Northeast 21st Street approaching Northeast 36th Avenue will be directed to instead go west, then make a left (south) on Northeast 30th Avenue, a left (east) on Northeast 14th Street, then a left (north) on Northeast 36th Avenue to get back to Northeast 21st Street.

For more information about this project, please visit https://www.cflroads.com/project/431798-3

Construction schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

FDOT urges all drivers to stay alert and use caution while driving through or near construction zones. When driving, walking, or bicycling, remember to pay attention and follow the rules. Safety doesn’t happen by accident.