Traffic Watch for Manatee and Sarasota Counties

FOR WEEK OF MARCH 17, 2019

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-275 at the Sunshine Skyway Rest Areas in Manatee and Pinellas Counties: Construction project: Improvements include constructing new rest areas and new parking lots with LED lighting, seawall repairs and extending the seawall at the Manatee County rest area to accommodate a new picnic pavilion. The Pinellas County Skyway Rest Area is closed for renovations. During this time, motorists will be directed to the Manatee County Skyway Rest Area. The closure is expected to last until spring 2019. The fishing piers will remain open during the closure. Construction is ongoing on the new rest area site and the seawall on the Manatee side, west of I-275.  Expected completion of both rest areas is spring 2020. David Nelson Construction Company is the contractor. 

I-275 Southbound Ramp to I-75 Northbound (Exit 228): Construction project: Crews are replacing the concrete bridge deck on the southbound I-275 ramp to northbound I-75. The I-275 southbound ramp to northbound I-75 is closed for approximately ten (10) months. Traffic is being detoured north on US 41/S Tamiami Trail to SR 674/E College Avenue in Hillsborough County. A temporary traffic signal has been installed on US 41 at the southbound I-275 exit. Periodic nighttime/overnight I-75 northbound/southbound and I-275 southbound lane closures beneath I-275 will occur during construction. There will be nighttime/overnight southbound lane closures on I-75 the week of Sunday, March 17. Use caution and watch for changes in the traffic pattern. Expected completion is summer 2019. Cone & Graham, Inc. is the contractor.

I-75 at SR 70 Interchange (Exit 217): Construction project: This week, crews will work on the ramps, retaining walls, drainage improvements, constructing noise walls behind the Creekside community, and working on the bridges over SR 70 and the Braden River.  Crews will also be clearing vegetation behind the Tara Preserve community for upcoming noise wall construction.

• Motorists should expect lane closures on I-75 during nighttime/overnight hours from 8.45 p.m. to 6 a.m. (northbound) or 8.00 p.m. to 5 a.m. (southbound) 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 that work is underway. Estimated completion is late 2021. The contractor is Sacyr Construction USA, LLC.

I-75 at SR 64/Manatee Avenue Interchange (Exit 220): Construction project: This week, crews are currently paving and striping SR 64, installing sod, performing ramp bridge work, and completing drainage work.

• Motorists are advised that on Monday, March 18th, Tuesday, March 19th, and Wednesday, March 20th, during the overnight hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., the SR 64 westbound ramp to I-75 southbound will be closed, weather permitting.  Motorists are advised to make a U-turn at 64th Street Ct E to use the southbound on-ramp.
• Motorists are advised that one lane closure in each direction on SR 64 may occur during the overnight hours between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. throughout the duration of the project.
• Motorists are advised that one lane closure in each direction on I-75 may occur during the overnight hours between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. throughout the duration of the project.

This project reconstructs the interchange, widens interchange ramps and SR 64, and installs sidewalks and bicycle lanes on SR 64. Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Drivers should use caution while traveling in this area. Estimated completion is late 2019. The contractor is Prince Contracting LLC.

I-75 at the University Parkway Interchange (Exit 213): Construction project: Crews are installing landscaping and irrigation systems at the I-75 and University Parkway interchange. Lane closures on I-75, if needed, will occur between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Lane closures on University Parkway, if needed, will occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Estimated completion is spring 2019. The contractor is Frankie Valdez Company, Inc.

Business US 41 (9^th Street W) at the Green Bridge; at 3^rd Avenue W, and from 3^rd Avenue W to SR 64 (Manatee Avenue): Construction project: Crews are constructing a multi-use path; constructing sidewalk; improving drainage; constructing turn lanes, and installing new signing and pavement markings. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures on Business US 41 (9^th Street W) from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. while crews are working. Estimated completion is spring 2019. The contractor is Gosalia Concrete Constructors, Inc.

US 41 from 301 Boulevard to 21^st Avenue: Construction project: Crews are installing concrete traffic separators/directional turn-lanes within the median, resurfacing the roadway, improving drainage, and installing new signing and pavement markings. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and daytime lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (not within 600 feet of a signalized intersection). The northbound outside lane will be closed from 32^nd Avenue to 30^th Avenue for approximately two weeks while crews complete drainage work. Expected completion is summer 2019. Blacktip Services Incorporated is the contractor.

SR 789/Gulf Drive from SR 64 (Manatee Avenue) to SR 684 (Cortez Road): Maintenance permit project: Manatee County is installing new force mains and water mains. For additional information about the project, please visit the project website at www.amipipereplacement.com. 

SR 70 (15^th Street E) at 9^th Avenue E: Construction project: Crews are constructing a roundabout; installing highway lighting and landscaping; improving drainage; constructing sidewalk, and resurfacing the roadway. The intersection of SR 70 (15^th Street E) and 9^th Avenue E is closed during construction. Please use 13^th Avenue E and 7^th Avenue E as alternate routes during this time. A temporary traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of SR 70 (15^th Street E) and 13^th Avenue E while the detour is in effect. Watson Civil Construction, Inc., is the contractor. Expected completion is spring 2019.

SR 64 at Rye Road: Construction project: Crews are constructing a multi-lane roundabout; resurfacing the roadway; improving drainage, and installing new highway lighting and landscaping. A traffic switch has been implemented shifting traffic to the current westbound lanes using temporary crossovers. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction throughout the project limits. Rye Road will remain accessible during this time. The speed limit on State Road 64 will be reduced to 45 mph. IBT Construction is the contractor. Expected completion is late 2019.

SARASOTA COUNTY

I-75 at the University Parkway Interchange (Exit 213): Construction project: Crews are installing landscaping and irrigation systems at the I-75 and University Parkway interchange. Lane closures on I-75, if needed, will occur between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Lane closures on University Parkway, if needed, will occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Estimated completion is spring 2019. The contractor is Frankie Valdez Company, Inc.

US 41 from Salford Boulevard to Sumter Boulevard: Construction project: Crews are widening US 41 from Salford Boulevard to Sumter Boulevard to a six-lane highway; resurfacing the roadway; improving drainage; constructing sidewalk, and installing highway lighting. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. when crews are resurfacing the roadway. Expect periodic driveway closures along the northbound lanes while crews are installing drainage systems. Russell Engineering, Inc. is the contractor. Expected completion is spring 2019.

US 41 Roundabouts at 10th Street and 14th Street, Sarasota:  Construction project: Crews continue work within the right-of-way, medians and driveways.

• Crews are expected to work Saturday. Expect construction equipment and noise at   10th Street and 14th Street. Most of the work is expected to occur at 10th Street and along US 41 from 10th Street to 14th Street on the west side.
• Temporary single lane closures may occur between 9th Street and 15th Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. if nighttime activities are scheduled.
• Installation of roadway base is expected on the west side of US 41. Expect noise from heavy machinery, dust and dump trucks moving in and out of traffic. Contractor will be compacting the base with vibrating rollers. Expect heavy equipment, concrete and dump trucks and vibrations due to compaction; the vibrations will be felt and noticeable in the vicinity. This operation is expected for approximately two weeks, weather permitting.
• Curb installation is expected on the west side of US 41 from 14th Street to the boat ramp. Expect heavy equipment and concrete trucks going in and out of traffic.
• Sidewalk installation at 14th Street is expected on the NE and NW corner of the intersection.
• Work on the permanent driveway for Centennial Park boat ramp off US 41. Driveway will always be accessible, but expect restricted areas while crews are working. Please pay close attention to flaggers and barricades in the area.
• Installation of water main at the southwest corner of 10th Street and US 41. Expect construction vehicles with material crossing 10th Street throughout the day.
• Crews will be working in the green zone of the Municipal Auditorium parking lot, use caution and watch for heavy equipment operating in the parking lot at the entrance from US 41.
• Crews are expected to work on the box culvert at 10th Street. Pumps will be running 24/7 bypassing the box culvert into the bay.
• Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will be blocking off the concrete area between  10th Street and boat ramps for semi-trailers parking. This area will not be accessible to general public until the end of March.
• Drainage structure and pipe installation along the west side of US 41 at the SW corner of 10th Street. Expect heavy equipment and trucks moving in and out of the travel lanes and parking lot for the Municipal Auditorium. Motorists are urged to use caution in the area. Expect equipment crossing 10th Street at the intersection.
• Preparation for sidewalks and driveways and road base at the northeast corner of 14th Street and US 41 intersection. Expect heavy equipment, concrete and dump trucks and vibrations due to compaction. Pedestrian paths may also be rearranged to accommodate work in this area.
• Centennial Park Boat Ramp driveway on 10th Street will be closed. Motorists can access the boat ramp via the US 41 entrance. Northbound left turn lane from US 41 into the boat ramp is available.
• Pedestrian paths have been reconfigured around the work zone, please use designated sidewalks and cross walks. No pedestrian access on the west side of US 41 beyond Centennial Park, pedestrians are advised to use the sidewalk on the east side of US 41. Impacts to pedestrian access south of the Centennial Park on the west side of US 41 is expected while the contractor is performing excavation in the area.
• The traffic pattern will be limited to right turn in/out for 11th, 12th and 13th Street. Traveling southbound and northbound direction left turns are not permitted at 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th Streets. Motorists are advised to follow the posted signs.
• Temporary detour route in effect. Use Cocoanut Avenue as alternate route to access 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th Street. Motorists are advised to follow the posted detour route and seek an alternate route while traveling in this area.
• Activities are subject to change due to adverse weather conditions and other schedule unforeseen problems. Other lane closures not yet scheduled may occur which do not appear on this update.

Speed limit is reduced to 30 mph. Speeding fines are doubled in the construction area when workers are present.

Improvements being made as part of this project consist of reconstructing the signalized intersections and replacing them with roundabouts, enhancing connectivity, circulation and safety. US 41 will be widened between the two intersections and will include bike lanes as well as dedicated turn lanes, a 10-foot sidewalk along the west side, and a 6-foot sidewalk along the east side. Other improvements include raised islands for pedestrian refuge at the intersections of US 41 at 10th Street and 14th Street, pedestrian signals, LED street lights, landscaping, and City of Sarasota utility and underground drainage structure replacements. Expected completion is spring 2020. The contractor is IBT Construction LLC.

US 41 from Hospital Road to River Road: Maintenance permit project: Crews are constructing new turn-lanes, driveway connections, and working in the medians. Expect intermittent north and southbound daytime lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday, March 29. Use caution and expect possible delays.

US 41 from McIntosh Road to Beneva Road: Construction project: Crews are constructing sidewalk and bicycle lanes, improving drainage, reconstructing the US 41 southbound bridge over Catfish Creek south of Central Sarasota Parkway, installing highway lighting, upgrading signals, and installing new signing and pavement markings.

• Northbound nighttime/overnight lane closures may occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Southbound nighttime/overnight lane closures may occur between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 a.m.
• The speed limit is reduced to 45 mph within the construction zone.

Motorists should use caution and obey the posted speed limit. Expected completion is fall 2019. The contractor is Morrison-Cobalt JV.

US 41 from Tuscola Boulevard to Ortiz Boulevard: Construction project: Crews are constructing a multi-use path; installing bus pads and shelters; improving drainage; constructing/replacing sidewalk; installing guardrail and highway lighting, and installing new signing and pavement markings. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Daytime lane closures between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. are possible. Lane closures within 600 feet of signalized intersections are not permitted between 5:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Florida Safety Contractors, Inc. is the contractor. Expected completion is spring 2019. 

US 41 from Waldemere Street to Arlington Street: Maintenance permit project: Crews are constructing a driveway. Expect nighttime/overnight southbound outside lane closures from 8 p.m. each night to 5 a.m. each morning through Friday, March 22. Use caution and expect possible delays.