PRESS RELEASE
OCALA/MARION COUNTY, Fla.—The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau and Marion County Board of County Commissioners is providing updates on the progress of the Gateway Project on Interstate-75, funded entirely by tourist development tax revenue from visitors. The south Gateway, which will be installed at the 42nd Street Flyover to welcome north bound traffic to Marion County, is expected to be completed early 2025, with most on-site construction beginning this fall. Construction of the various aesthetic features is already underway, occurring off-site, and will eventually be transported to the flyover to be installed.
Mid-summer, residents and visitors may notice temporary lane closures as the outer towers of the Gateway featuring the Marion County logo are installed. Marion County is working closely in partnership with the City of Ocala, through an interlocal agreement, and the Florida Department of Transportation to ensure the success of this project.
As construction progresses, residents and visitors will notice temporary lane closures on Intersate-75 to allow the construction team to work safely on the bridge over the interstate. These temporary closures are expected to occur in the fall months of 2024. More information on closures will be released once scheduled.
The Gateway Project implements the vision of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners to introduce tourists driving through Marion County on Interstate-75 to the county’s unique character. The project consists of two County line markers—installed late 2023—as well as two representative gateways—one at the 42nd Street Flyover and the other at the future interchange just north of Ocala, where the Buc-ee’s Ocala Travel Center is planned.
The Gateways are funded by the Tourist Development Tax, which is paid by visitors who stay in lodging in Marion County for six months or less. The use of revenue collected from the Tourist Development Tax is strictly regulated by state law (F.S. 125.0104).
Marion County is contracted with Kimley-Horn for concepts, design, permitting and application with FDOT and construction support services of the County line markers and the Gateways. Kenco Sign and Awning constructed the two County line markers. Commercial Industrial Corporation is contracted for construction of the south Gateway.
