FDOT to host public meetings Sept. 1-2 for proposed improvements on University Avenue
Press release from the Florida Department of Transportation
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – 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.
Virtual meeting on Sept. 1
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 www.nflroads.com/virtualmeetings.
In-person meeting on Sept. 2
An in-person meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at the Matheson History Museum located at 513 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601. 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 www.nflroads.com/
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.
I like how state roads get repaved on a schedule. I don’t like how city and county roads seldom get repaved.
You notice how they Cater to the brats that walk across painted crosswalks with headphones or looking at their phones! There WILL ALWAYS BE ACCIDENTS ON WEST UNIVERSITY, If they cant address the phone and headphone abuse!😳🙄😢
Since I moved in 1982 University Ave has been redesigned 3 times while other streets sit in disrepair. NW 53rd is a good example on the north side of town while Rocky Point Rd, on the SW side is another. Maybe they should go around town and fix all the manhole covers that have become road hazards, since the City cannot smooth them into the road surface.
I thought the state handed Univ. Ave over to the City to handle? Or was that just for minor tweaks done already?