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I-75 reopens in Marion County after tractor-trailer hits overpass

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Update:

All lanes of Interstate 75 have reopened.


Previous story:

Northbound lanes of I-75 remain closed in Marion County after a tractor-trailer struck and damaged an overpass.

The Florida Highway Patrol said traffic is being diverted at exit 341, which leads to County Road 484, after the tractor-trailer hit the Southwest 66th Street overpass Wednesday morning.

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Troopers said there were 8 miles of traffic congestion in the northbound lanes and 4 miles of southbound congestion due to delays caused by onlookers.

They said the overpass is also closed.

The Florida Department of Transportation said one of several beams of the bridge has been damaged beyond repair and will have to be replaced sometime in the future

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FDOT said it expects to reopen northbound lanes of the interstate Wednesday evening or during the overnight after temporary repairs have been made.

The agency said the Southwest 66th Street overpass will reopen Wednesday evening with people directing traffic using flags.

Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes until further notice.

Marion County Public Schools said its school buses running in south Marion County will likely be rerouted due to the closure.

Watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News at 4 for live updates.

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Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.

Jason Kelly

Jason Kelly, WFTV.com

Jason Kelly joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2014. He serves as the station's Digital Executive Producer.