Alligator Alley reopens after wildfire closure

NAPLES, Fla. A 57-mile stretch of Alligator Alley reopened shortly before 8:45 p.m. Monday, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Greg Bueno said.

But it may be only a temporary measure as a wildfire burns some 200 yards north of mile marker 46, Bueno warned. He shared video on Twitter of troopers leading traffic along the highway.

Troopers leading the way as traffic on I75 is being reopened! Thank you for your patience! #FHP pic.twitter.com/qHUpF5CAFA

— Lt. Gregory Bueno (@FHPTrooper_SWFL) May 30, 2017

That wildfire forced the closure around 5 p.m. Monday. Eastbound traffic was directed off the highway at Exit 80 and westbound traffic was diverted onto Exit 23.

The westbound entrance ramp from Exit 49 remained open, but the eastbound entrance was closed, Bueno said.

Few gas stations open at night are accessible along the highway, so drivers should fuel up before they travel through the area, Bueno said. U.S. 41 is recommended as an alternate route.

Travelers ironically encountered rain as they turned onto State Road 29, a usually desolate two-lane road that was lined with cars Monday evening, Florida Department of Transportation cameras showed. WINK News livestreamed that camera view on Facebook:

Video from viewer Galina Manovska showed the fire as it burned Sunday.

The size of the fire is unclear.

1 of 3