COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – A brush fire shut down part of Alligator Alley on Tuesday afternoon in Collier County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said northbound and southbound lanes are closed from mile marker 80 to mile marker 105.
It is anticipated that I-75 from exit 105 to mile marker 80 will remain closed into Wednesday morning.
According to the FHP, commuters are advised to leave early and expect delays.
The fire has burned 6,000 acres so far and is 30 percent contained, the Caloosahatchee Forestry Center said.
FHP Sgt. Mark Wysocky said authorities will reopen the roadway when conditions permit.
Below is a list of detour routes while the highway remains closed:
Eastbound I-75 traffic: Take Exit 105 (Golden Gate Parkway) to US-41(Tamiami Trail). Turn left onto eastbound US-41. Take eastbound US 41 to SR 29. Turn left onto northbound SR 29. Take northbound SR 29 to I-75. Turn right onto the eastbound I-75 entrance ramp.
Westbound I-75 traffic: Take Exit 80 (State Road 29) north for a northern travel destination. For a southern travel destination (Naples) take SR 29 to US-41 (Tamiami Trail). Turn right onto US-41.
The Florida Forestry Service has ordered a mandatory evacuation notice for the Naples Club RV Park, the Panther's Walk RV Park, the entire Forest Glen community and the horse stables in and along Newman Drive.
The Golden Gate Community Center at 4701 Golden Gate Parkway in Naples is currently open for evacuees, although it is not an overnight shelter.
Collier Boulevard reopened Wednesday morning, but Alligator Alley remains closed to traffic.