Traffic Watch for Manatee and Sarasota Counties

FOR WEEK JULY 11, 2021

Motorists are reminded to wear safety belts and drive with caution, courtesy, common sense, and patience as they travel through work zones. Remember, speeding fines are doubled in work zones.

As a reminder, travelers can visit www.FL511.com or dial “511” from their phone to learn about traffic conditions on major roadways across the state.
If you know before you go, you can plan accordingly and save time and money.

MANATEE COUNTY

I-75 at SR 70 Interchange (Exit 217): Construction project: This week, crews will work on widening I-75, the ramps, installing concrete barrier wall, and median and drainage work on SR 70.

• This week, motorists should expect single lane closures on I-75 ramps during nighttime/overnight hours from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Motorists should expect single lane closures on I-75 during nighttime/overnight hours from 8:45 p.m. to 6 a.m. (northbound) or 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. (southbound) through the duration of the construction.
• Motorists should expect double lane closures on I-75 during nighttime/overnight hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the duration of the construction.
• Motorists should expect lane closures on SR 70 during nighttime/overnight hours from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the duration of the construction.
• Motorists should expect lane shifts on I-75 and SR 70 through the duration of the construction.
• Drivers should exercise caution and be aware of construction vehicles entering and exiting the interstate through the duration of the construction.

Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers work is underway. Estimated completion is late fall 2021. The contractor is Sacyr Construction USA, LLC.

I-75 and Moccasin Wallow Road: Landscape installation: Crews will be installing landscaping so occasional shoulder closures may be required. Estimated completion is August 2021.  The contractor is Frankie Valdez Company. 

I-275 over Terra Ceia River (1.2 mi. west of US 41): Bridge maintenance: DBi Services crews will be making bridge deck and joint repairs on Monday, July 26, and Tuesday, July 27, 2021.  Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures both north and southbound from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I-275 at US 19 (Exit 5): Construction project: Crews will remove the existing high mast lighting systems and replace with conventional lighting systems.  This week, crews will install the electrical pull boxes.

• Motorists should expect a lane closure on I-275 during nighttime/overnight hours from 10 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers work is underway. Estimated completion is mid-2021. The contractor is Highway Safety Devices.

I-275 at US 41 (Exit 2): Construction project: Crews will remove the existing high mast lighting systems and replace with conventional lighting systems.  This week, crews will install the electrical pull boxes.

• Motorists should expect a lane closure on I-275 during nighttime/overnight hours from 10 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers work is underway. Estimated completion is mid-2021. The contractor is Highway Safety Devices.

SR 684 Cortez Road from US 41/ 14^th Street to 26^th Street: Construction project: Crews have begun a median modification project to control motorist speed and safety through the corridor, provide enhanced lighting, and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. The posted speed limit will be maintained as will pedestrian access to bus stops and side streets. Lane closures are limited to evening and overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Expected completion is summer 2021, weather permitting. The contractor is Wright Construction Group.

• Motorists should expect overnight lane closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.  Please use caution in the active construction zone.

SR 70 west of White Eagle Boulevard: Construction permit project: There will be intermittent east and westbound right lane closures on SR 70, west of White Eagle Boulevard, thru July 24, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Crews will be constructing right and left turn lanes, a median opening, driveway and drainage.  Use caution and expect possible delays.

SR 70 from Creekwood Boulevard to west of Caruso Road: Construction permit project: Through August 2021, a detour is in place for the Caruso Road closure on SR 70 from Creekwood Boulevard to west of Caruso Road.  This is part of the continued 44^th Avenue east improvements project, constructing utility, drainage, and roadway improvements. Please plan additional travel time and use caution in the area.

SR 64 at Greyhawk Boulevard/Pope Road: Construction project: Construction of a roundabout at SR 64 and Greyhawk Boulevard/Pope Road includes installing pedestrian activated crossings on all legs of the roundabout, adding lighting and landscaping, and installing a new traffic signal and crosswalks at SR 64 and 117^th Street east.  The contractor is Watson Civil Construction, Inc. Expected completion is fall 2021, weather permitting.

• **SPEED LIMIT IS 25 MPH THROUGH THE PROJECT**
• East and westbound lanes are one lane in each direction through the project.

Switch to MOT Phase IIIB is scheduled for Sunday night, July 18, 2021.

• The eastbound left turn lane at Peace Presbyterian Church will reopen.
• At the entrance and exit to Greyhawk Boulevard, westbound traffic will be shifted to allow the re-construction of the east side of Greyhawk.
• Westbound travel lanes, going towards I-75, will be detoured onto the newly constructed travel lanes on the north side of the median just west of Greyhawk.
• Eastbound lanes will remain the same.
• The left turns at Greyhawk Boulevard and Mill Run will remain closed.  Continue to utilize the roundabout at SR 64 and White Eagle Boulevard/Rye Road.
• Pope Road will remain closed to thru traffic, utilize the roundabout at SR 64 and White Eagle Boulevard/Rye Road.
• Pedestrian traffic: Sidewalks are open on both sides of SR 64.

SARASOTA COUNTY

I-75 over Raintree Boulevard: Bridge maintenance: On Monday, July 12, DBi Services will make overnight bridge deck repairs from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Expect intermittent northbound left lane closures and use caution in the area.

I-75 over Cowpen Slough (2.5 miles south of SR-681): Bridge maintenance: On Monday, July 12, DBi Services will repair bridge rail and substructure from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Expect intermittent lane closures both north and southbound. Use caution in the area.

US 41 at Gulfstream Avenue Roundabout: Construction project: Crews will work within the right-of-way, medians, driveways and throughout the project limits. Activities include:

• Pre-work for removal of existing curb and median on US 41 and Gulfstream Avenue may begin in preparation for the next traffic phase.
• Night work may be scheduled based on weather conditions to remove the sign structure across US 41 south of the intersection. Northbound and southbound lane closures are expected, with occasional interruption to traffic. Law enforcement officers will be onsite to direct traffic.
• Pedestrian crossing at the US 41 and Gulfstream Avenue intersection is expected to be closed in preparation for the next traffic phase. Temporary pedestrian paths around the work zone have been implemented. Pedestrian crossings are available on Fruitville Road or Main Street during construction. Please use designated paths and follow posted detour signs.
• Construction of the temporary roadway along the Marina Jacks parking lot continues. Activity involves moving material from the pond site on the east side of US 41 to the west side of US 41. Dump trucks will be hauling material utilizing Gulfstream Avenue and Main Street.
• Installation of electrical conduit along the east side of Gulfstream Avenue is expected. This work will take place between the ponds and sidewalk.
• Marina Jacks north parking lot entrance/exit on Gulfstream Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic. Motorists may access the parking lot via Bayfront Drive at Main Street/Marina Plaza. No through traffic allowed through this area.
• Eastbound through travel lane on Gulfstream Avenue (towards downtown) will remain closed as part of the pre-phase of construction. Use alternate routes via Main Street or Fruitville Road.

Construction activities will take place during the daytime and occasionally during nighttime hours. Expect noise and vibration from construction equipment, backup alarms, lighting, vacuum trucks, and pumps.

Detours and lane closures will be in place during various phases of the project. During construction, the speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph on US 41 and Gulfstream Avenue.

Improvements being made as part of this project consist of replacing the existing signalized intersection on US 41 at Gulfstream Avenue with a roundabout, installation of HAWK pedestrian crossing signal system, raised pedestrian refuge islands, replacement of underground drainage structures, utilities, fiber optic, new LED streetlights, reconfiguration of stormwater retention ponds, sidewalks, and pedestrian walkways. Expected completion is early fall 2022. The contractor is Russell Engineering, Inc.

US 41 from Blackburn Point Road to Preymore Street: Construction project: Work includes resurfacing the roadway, improving drainage, constructing sidewalks, replacing the US 41 northbound bridge over North Creek and installing new highway lighting along the three-mile project. 

• Final phase of completion: During the final stages of project completion and clean up, motorists can expect temporary lane closures throughout the project limits. 
• The contract allows northbound lane closures between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and southbound from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 
• All work is weather permitting and may cause schedule and contractor adjustments.

Bergeron Land Development, Inc. is the contractor. Expected completion is July 2021.

US 41 (Venice Bypass) from Center Road to Gulf Coast Boulevard: Construction project: Crews are widening US 41 from Center Road to Gulf Coast Boulevard to a six-lane highway, replacing traffic signals, installing new pavement markings and signage; installing concrete curb and sidewalks; improving new drainage; and installing new highway lighting. Use caution and watch for changes in the traffic pattern. The contractor is Bergeron Land Development, Inc. Expected completion is summer 2021.

• A new traffic pattern will go into effect Tuesday, July 13, 2021. North and southbound traffic will be shifted towards the median, allowing traffic to flow in each direction while the contractor finishes activities near the outside lanes.
• The new traffic signal at Detwiler’s Farm Market will be activated in flash mode on Wednesday, July 14, 2021.
• Motorists should expect intermittent interruptions of the median crossings into shopping centers and side streets while crews perform work in the medians.  Motorists who are not able to turn at the desired median crossing can travel further down the roadway to make a U-turn where available.
• Intermittent daytime lane closures will be in effect on northbound US 41 Bypass from Center Road to Venice Avenue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please watch for crews in the roadway.
• Pedestrian traffic has been shifted to the newly constructed sidewalk on the east and west sides of the roadway. Sidewalk construction continues along some segments. Pedestrians should use caution and use the temporary pedestrian access pathway in those areas.  
• Crews are working within the driveways and the right-of-way along the northbound and southbound lanes of US 41. Please use caution when turning into businesses and shopping plazas.

SR 789 at New Pass Bridge, Longboat Key: Bridge construction: The improvement project includes structural, mechanical, and electrical repairs to the bridge. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained during the construction but please use caution in the area as lane patterns will be adjusted. If bridge closures are required, they will be done between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. with no detour longer than 30 minutes.

• Equipment testing at the bridge will be required for the remainder of the project.  Expect possible bridge openings from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Two openings per hour are allowed but for no longer than 10 minutes and they must be at least 15 minutes apart.
• Motorists can expect temporary lane shifts as needed for the remainder of the project, but both lanes will remain open.
• Pedestrians can only use the protected sidewalk on the west side of the bridge.
• Bicyclists must walk their bikes across the grates as permanent signage directs.
• For marine openings, a 6-hour advance reservation is required thru July 31, 2021.

The contractor is Quinn Construction. Completion is expected by summer 2021.   

SR 72 Clark Road at Proctor Road and Dove Avenue Roundabout: Construction project: Crews will begin work on the new free-flowing roundabout replacing the current signalized intersection. Completion is expected in fall 2022.  The contractor is E & M Equipment.

• Lane closures and traffic shifts will be in place during various phases of the project.  Use caution in the construction zone.
• Lane closures are not allowed from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. or during non-work periods.
• During Phase I: the contractor will install sidewalk closures, install temporary signals, and construct the north side of the roundabout at SR 72 and the west side of Proctor Road.
• The contractor has begun installing the “maintenance of traffic” (MOT) advanced warning signs, erosion control devices, and clearing and grubbing the north side of SR 72. Work will be limited to shoulder closures with short duration flagging operations to unload equipment and materials.
• Over the next few weeks, the contractor will be constructing temporary lanes on the north side of SR 72.  Flagging operations on SR72 and Proctor Road are possible.

SR 72 Clark Road at Sawyer Road, Legacy Trail Extension Segment 2: Permit project: Starting on Monday, July 12, crews will install variable message boards notifying motorists of the upcoming Legacy Trail construction. Please use caution in the area.  Expected completion is late summer.  Scheduled below:

• On Monday, July 19: Westbound outside lane will be closed for the demolition and removal of train tracks with full depth asphalt restoration. 
• Thursday, July 22: Westbound two inside lanes will be closed for the completion of demolition and removal of train tracks and full depth asphalt restoration.
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, July 26 through July 28, westbound outside lanes will be closed for the demolition, removal and replacement of curbs and sidewalk.
• Monday, August 2: Shifting to the east side, outside lanes will be closed for the demolition and removal of train tracks and full depth asphalt restoration
• Thursday, August 5: Eastbound two inside lanes will be closed for the demolition and removal of train tracks and full depth asphalt restoration
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, August 8 through August 11: Eastbound outside lane will be closed for the demolition, removal and replacement of curbs and sidewalk.
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, August 16 through August 18:  Both the east and westbound inside lanes will be closed for curb demolition and replacement.

SR 681 from en Theos Lane, Venice: Construction permit project: Construction will begin for a housing development entrance, left and right turn lanes, a median opening, and drainage. Motorists should expect east and westbound lane closures through July 11, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Please use caution and expect possible delays.