Traffic Watch for Manatee and Sarasota Counties

Traffic Watch

FOR WEEK OF OCTOBER 6, 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

Various locations along SR 684 and US 301: Construction project: Crews are installing new highway lighting at various locations along SR 684 from Gulf Drive to 9^th Street W and on US 301 from Tallevast Road to 9^th Street E. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures from 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Expected completion is early 2020. PowerCore, Inc. is the contractor.

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 Manatee County rest area is closed for renovations. Motorists should use the Pinellas County rest area during this time. The fishing pier will remain open during the closure; however, there will be intermittent flagging operations along the fishing pier access road in Manatee County for moving of equipment and materials. Expected completion 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 will remain closed through late fall. 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. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures on the I-275 southbound ramp to I-75 southbound from 9 p.m. each night to 6 a.m. each morning Sunday, October 6 through Saturday, October 12. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures on I-75 northbound and I-75 southbound between Moccasin Wallow Road and just south of the I-275 interchange from 9 p.m. each night to 6 a.m. each morning Sunday, October 6 through Saturday, October 12. Use caution and watch for changes in the traffic pattern. Expected completion is fall 2019. Cone & Graham, Inc. is the contractor.

I-75 at SR 70 Interchange (Exit 217):  Construction project: This week, crews will work on widening I-75, the ramps, retaining walls, excavating interchange and SR 70 stormwater ponds and drainage, and working on the bridges over SR 70 and the Braden River.

• 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.

US 301 (State Road 43) from 2^nd Avenue to 51^st Avenue: Construction project: Crews are resurfacing the roadway; improving drainage; installing guardrail and highway lighting, and improving the railroad crossing. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. and possible daytime lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during construction. Superior Asphalt, Inc. is the contractor. Expected completion is summer 2020.

SR 789 at the Longboat Key Pass Bridge: Construction project: Crews are making structural, electrical and mechanical repairs on the bridge. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sidewalk closures are also expected during construction. Southern Road & Bridge, LLC is the contractor. Expected completion is fall 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. Motorists should expect right turn lane closures from Rye Road to westbound SR 64 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Friday, October 11 while crews are working. IBT Construction is the contractor. Expected completion is late 2019/early 2020.

SARASOTA COUNTY

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

• Traffic pattern shift to the west is expected starting Tuesday, October 8th. Work is expected Sunday, Monday, and possibly Tuesday night in preparation for the traffic pattern change. Expect lane closures and flaggers/law enforcement officers directing traffic at 10th Street and 14th Street.
• South bound traffic will be shifted onto the newly constructed roadway. Pay close attention to the new pavement markings and signs, more importantly at the intersections.
• Following the traffic switch, the project work zone will shift to the east side of US 41, in the current north bound lanes.
• Paving is expected along US 41 from 10th Street to 14th Street. Be mindful of asphalt trucks entering and leaving the roadway. Expect vibration from rollers.
• Roadway base work and asphalt paving is expected at the SW corner of 14th Street and SW corner of 10th Street. Expect vibration from rollers.
• Light pole installation is expected at 10th and 14th Street. Expect concrete trucks entering and exiting the construction zones.
• The installation of temporary traffic devices and stripping will occur on new asphalt. No impacts to the current travel lanes are expected but use caution on southbound lanes as crews will be working close to the current southbound lanes.
• The right turn lane on westbound 10th Street, east of US 41 is closed. The through lane now serves as a through and right turn lane.
• New boat ramp driveway is open. Use caution as the wider driveway is intended for both entering and exiting traffic
• Pedestrian crossings on 14th Street/Imperial Drive at US 41 have been reconfigured around the work zone. Pedestrians are advised to use the designated sidewalks and cross walks.
• Pedestrian crosswalks and stop bar on the south bound lanes at 14th Street are marked. For the safety of pedestrians, motorists are urged to stop at the designated stop bar.
• 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.
• 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.

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 streetlights, 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, October 11. 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 fall 2019. 

US 41 (Venice Bypass) from Center Road from 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, sidewalks; improving new drainage, and installing new highway lighting. Use caution and watch for changes in the traffic pattern. Bergeron Land Development, Inc. is the contractor. Expected completion is spring 2021.

• Seaboard Avenue is closed to thru traffic while workers complete drainage improvements. Motorists should use Spur Street as a detour route.
• Expect a new change in traffic pattern for northbound and southbound traffic on US 41 between Center Road and Gulf Coast Boulevard beginning Wednesday, September 25.
• Expect northbound and southbound nighttime lane closures for roadway maintenance Monday through Saturday on US 41 between Center Road and Gulf Coast Boulevard from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Sunday, October 13.

SR 72 at various locations: Construction project: Crews are installing highway lighting and constructing sidewalk along SR 72 at Frontage Road; Gantt Road; Honore Avenue; McIntosh Road; Sawyer Road; Beneva Road; Lockwood Ridge Road; Swift Road, Gateway Avenue, and at the Sarasota Pavilion entrance. 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. Expected completion is fall 2019. The contractor is Florida Safety Contractors, Inc.

SR 72 (Clark Road) at Bee Ridge Road Extension/Lorraine Road: Maintenance permit project: Crews are constructing a right turn-lane. Expect intermittent lane closures and flagging operations from 9 p.m. each night to 5 a.m. each morning through Friday, October 4. Use caution and expect possible delays.