ALACHUA COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a public meeting to discuss proposed improvements on University Avenue (State Road 26) from Gale Lemerand Drive to NE Waldo Road (State Road 24).

This project proposes various improvements on University Avenue from Gale Lemerand Drive to NE Waldo Road to increase safety for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and other users of the corridor.

In partnership with the City of Gainesville, FDOT proposes the following improvements:

  • Mill and resurface approximately 2.3 miles of University Avenue from Gale Lemerand Drive to NE Waldo Road.
  • Extend the median on University Avenue at Fletcher Drive (Northwest 18th Street) with minor drainage improvements.
  • Install a pedestrian crosswalk for the Sweetwater Greenway Trail near the Matheson Museum. The crossing will feature a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) signal and include the closure of the existing median opening and removal of the turn lane.

A virtual public meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, with an open house from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a presentation and public comment period at 5:30 p.m. To register to attend the virtual meeting, visit nflroads.com/virtualmeetings.

An in-person meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at the Matheson History Museum located at 513 E. University Ave., Gainesville. An open house will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m., followed by a presentation and public comment period at 6 p.m.

Public meetings provide the public with an opportunity to express their views on the project, its potential for impact and other related matters. All participants, regardless of the platform they choose, will receive the same information on the proposed project and all comments received in-person, virtually, or electronically carries equal consideration.

Public comments may be submitted online at nflroads.com/virtualmeetings or by mailing them to William Weiser, 1109 S. Marion Avenue, Lake City, FL 32025 or email at William.Weiser@dot.state.fl.us. All public comments postmarked on or before Sept. 14, 2026, will become part of the public meeting record.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status.

Stay informed about lane closures and roadwork in your area by following FDOT District 2 at @MyFDOT_NEFL on X or at MyFDOTNEFL on Facebook.