Marion County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a project open house regarding proposed plans on State Road (S.R.) 40 from U.S. 41 to SW 119th Avenue in Marion County, just west of Ocala, on Tuesday, July 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m..

The purpose of this project is to maintain a safe and reliable asphalt surface by repaving State Road (S.R.) 40 within the project limits. In addition to resurfacing, the project will include approximately 0.6 miles of shoulder widening and a slight realignment of the roadway near SW 133rd Avenue to reduce a sharp curve and improve safety.

Upgrades also include improved drainage and guardrails, enhanced lighting, and significant pedestrian safety improvements. A new crosswalk will be added on the east side of the SW 140th Avenue intersection, along with new sidewalk connections and upgraded pedestrian signals. Pedestrian curb ramps will be reconstructed to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

The in-person open house will be held at St. Johns Church of Cotton Plant, 12390 C.R. 328, Ocala, FL 34482. Attendees will be able to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions.

To provide additional flexibility for stakeholders, the FDOT is also offering online opportunities to get involved:

• Join an online webinar at 5:30 p.m. to watch a project presentation and submit written questions or comments using the webinar questions box.  To attend using this option, register at https://bit.ly/43qEWcS (link is case sensitive). Please make sure to provide adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.
• Visit the project website at your convenience at www.cflroads.com/project/452636-1. Visitors to the page may watch the project presentation, view project exhibits, and submit comments and questions directly to the project manager. Project materials will be available beginning Tuesday, July 29, and will be the same as what will be shared at the in-person open house. While the information will remain on the website throughout the project, please provide comments or questions by August 8 to have the comments included in the open house record.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Melissa McKinney, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at Melissa.McKinney@dot.state.fl.us.

Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Carolyn Fitzwilliam at 386-943-5221 or by email at Carolyn.Fitzwilliam@dot.state.fl.us at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).