FDOT is preparing design plans for proposed improvements to State Road (S.R.) 40 at the S.W. 27th Avenue intersection and S.R. 40 at the I-75 interchange in the City of Ocala, Florida. The proposed improvements to S.R. 40 at the S.W. 27th Avenue intersection include widening the intersection to provide for dual left turn lanes to all approaches and an exclusive right turn lane for eastbound S.R. 40 to southbound S.W. 27th Avenue. Other safety improvements are also proposed, such as adding traffic separators along S.W. 27th Avenue to prevent left turns from driveways near the intersection. The proposed improvements to S.R. 40 at the I-75 interchange will improve the traffic operations by extending the existing left turn lanes along eastbound and westbound S.R. 40 and providing dual left turn lanes and a right turn lane for northbound and southbound exit ramps. The proposed improvements will increase capacity, improve emergency evacuation, and enhance safety along the roadway. This design project is scheduled for completion in January 2018 and will move into the right-of-way acquisition phase in Fiscal Years 2018 through 2022. The proposed improvements are not currently funded for construction. The Financial Project ID (FPID) number is: 433652-1-32-01. The purpose of this public hearing is to present information and receive public input regarding the proposed access management changes to S.R. 40 at the S.W. 27th Avenue intersection in the City of Ocala. Information regarding the proposed improvements to S.R. 40 at the I-75 interchange will also be discussed. The hearing is being held as an open house from 5:30 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. There will be a brief presentation at 6:30 p.m., after which participants may provide comments to all present. Representatives from the design team will be available to discuss the project and answer questions before and after the presentation. Participants may provide public comment directly to a court reporter at any time during the hearing. Written comments can be submitted at this hearing, by mail to Taleb Shams, P.E., FDOT Project Manager, 719 South Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, FL 32720 or by e-mail to taleb.shams@dot.state.fl.us no later than Monday, August 7, 2017. All comments, written and oral, will become part of the project’s public record. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, by phone at 386-943-5367, or via e-mail at Jennifer.Smith2@dot.state.fl.us.