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By the end of 2015, as many as 70 could be in place throughout the country, transportation officials say. THE OTHER IMPROVEMENTS Even if the state sets aside funding for the interchange, the onus will be on the two counties to complete roadway improvements around it. They will have the help of Schroeder Manatee Ranch Inc., developer of Lakewood Ranch, and Benderson, developer of the new Mall at University Town Center; both firms are obligated to provide area infrastructure improvements through development agree- ments and impact fee guidelines. In the April 9 letter to Detert and Galvano, the Sarasota County Commission wrote that "both counties are working diligently on the region's traffic capacity improvements." In Sarasota County, that work could include Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Lorraine Road extensions, as well as a proposed over- pass connection between University Parkway and Fruitville Road, according to a March 6 update to the Sarasota county commissioners and staff. Steube said his understanding is that the pre- liminary plan calls for Sarasota County and Schroeder Manatee to split the cost of the overpass. That would become one of the alter- native routes for residents and commuters heading into Lakewood Ranch. Those other accesses are needed badly, as was evidenced by a January accident that closed a section of University Parkway, Steube pointed out. % Manuel R. Chepote, LUTCF Chepote Insurance Inc. 1300 Main Street • Sarasota, Florida (941) 366-0100 Serving Sarasota & Manatee Counties agents.allstate.com/manuel-r-chepote-sarasota-fl.html Click for driving directions Auto • Home • Life Renters • Motorcycles Flood • Business • Annuities Financial Services Sarasota News Leader April 18, 2014 Page 75