FLORIDA (WTXL) - UPDATE: FDOT and DHSMV have now closed US 41 near the area of the Santa Fe River.
UPDATE: FDOT and DHSMV have now closed US 27 near the area of the Santa Fe River due to unprecedented flooding.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) says the Santa Fe River under I-75 has rapidly rise 15 feet within the last 36 hours.
An additional rise is expected within the coming days as water levels from upstream move southward down the river.
They say that at this time, I-75 is safe and passable, however, if the river keeps rising, I-75 south of I-10 and north of U.S 441 in Alachua will be completely closed.
Additional bridges that may be impacted include: U.S. 27, U.S. 41, S.R. 47 and possibly U.S. 121.
FDOT says travelers should be prepared for significant delays from tomorrow evening through Saturday.
In the event of road flooding on I-75 at the Sante Fe River, FDOT will reroute traffic to U.S. 19, U.S. 301 and I-95. They stress that any Floridian planning on traveling to Central or Southern Florida should consider traveling southbound on I-95.
FDOT says bridge inspectors are monitoring I-75 24 hours a day to ensure driver safety.
