MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Marion County formally approved an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, that will allow construction to begin on the highly anticipated interchange project at I-75 and NW 49th Street in Ocala.
The Off-System Construction and Maintenance Agreement authorizes the FDOT to begin working on a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at the site, including roadway slope and elevation adjustments, building permanent roadway improvements such as drainage, drainage systems, sidewalks and signals, and incorporating a “community aesthetic feature” welcoming motorists to Ocala.
The interchange will be the site of the area’s first Buc-ee’s gas station/restaurant/general store/pop-cultural touchstone, a development that’s kept the 352’s collective attention since it was first announced more than two and a half years ago.
The county is contributing a lump sum of $8,419,860 toward the construction costs. Once construction is completed and approved by the FDOT, the county will assume responsibility for ongoing operational maintenance.
“This project is a key component of Marion County’s strategy to enhance transportation efficiency and safety, and is funded in part by Marion County’s Penny Sales Tax,” reads a Marion County Board of County Commissioners announcement.