The Florida Highway Patrol has closed a large segment of US-41 in Manatee and Hillsborough counties due to possible overflow from a phosphate processing plant in Palmetto.
US-41 is closed at 113th Street East in Bradenton and at College Avenue in Ruskin, troopers said.
Motorists are asked to detour through I-75 instead.
The reason for the closures comes after Manatee County issued two emergency evacuation notices for people living and working near the former Piney Point phosphate processing plant.
Florida Highway Patrol said, “Due to continued concerns regarding the Piney Point Phosphogypsum Stack & waste water overflow, FHP will close US-41 at 113th St E in Manatee & College Ave in Hillsborough. Motorists should detour to I-75 using College Ave & Moccasin Wallow Road.”
Officials will hold a press conference at 2 PM Saturday and we will update this story during and after that press conference.
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