Traffic Watch for Manatee and Sarasota Counties - Week of April 17, 2022

FOR WEEK APRIL 17, 2022

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 US 301 Interchange (Exit 224): Construction project: Project will widen the I-75 from SR 64 to the Manatee River, reconfigure the I-75/US 301 interchange from a partial cloverleaf interchange to a tight diamond configuration, construct new bridges will be constructed over the Manatee River for a northbound exit ramp and a southbound entrance ramp, and US 301 improvements. This week, crews will work on embankment, clearing and grubbing, and widening I-75.

• Motorists should expect single lane closures on I-75 during nighttime/overnight hours from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the duration of the construction.
• Motorists should expect double lane closures on I-75 northbound during nighttime/overnight hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the duration of the construction; double closures on I-75 southbound during the nighttime/overnight hours from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the duration of the construction.
• Motorists should expect lane closures on US 301 through the duration of the construction.
• Motorists should expect lane shifts on I-75 and US 301 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 early 2025.

I-75 at SR 70 Interchange (Exit 217): Construction project: This week, crews will work on the resurfacing, lane striping, and median work on SR 70.

• Motorists should expect single lane closures on I-75 during nighttime/overnight hours from 8 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 7 p.m. to 6 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 spring 2022.

US 41 / US 301 DeSoto Bridge: Construction project: Crews have begun the DeSoto Bridge improvement project on US 41/ US 301 and the Hernando DeSoto Bridge.  During Phase 5 and 6, pedestrian detours will be in place by the River Walk Skate Park. Marine traffic should be unaffected.  Expect noise from construction equipment, backup alarms, and lighting. Completion is summer 2022.

US 41 between Palm View Road to North of Lakeside Boulevard: Permit project: Through the end of April, there will be alternating north and southbound lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. while crews construct a median opening, right turn lane and driveway access for an RV Park along with drainage structures and sidewalk.    Please use caution and watch for lane shifts.

US 301 just west of 91^st Street: Permit project: From Monday, April 18, to Wednesday, April 20, between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be an intermittent westbound outside lane closure. Please use caution and watch for lane shifts.

SR 684 Cortez Road from US 41/ 14^th Street to 26^th Street: Construction project: Crews are completing a median modification project to control motorist speed and safety through the corridor, provide enhanced lighting, and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. Starting mid-April the new HAWK crosswalk will begin testing. The posted speed limit will be maintained as will pedestrian access to bus stops and side streets. Expected completion is late spring 2022.

SARASOTA COUNTY

I-75 at SR 72/Clark Road (Exit 205): Construction project: Project improvements include reconstructing the existing interchange to a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI), adding auxiliary lane on I-75 northbound from SR 72 to Bee Ridge Road, widen I-75 southbound from Proctor Road to SR 72, and improvements on Clark Road. This week, crews will work on widening I-75, noise walls, retaining walls, and drainage work.

• Motorists should expect single lane closures on I-75 during nighttime/overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. bound through the duration of the construction.
• Motorists should expect double lane closures on I-75 during nighttime/overnight hours from 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. through the duration of the construction.
• Motorists should expect lane closures on SR 72 during nighttime/overnight hours from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. through the duration of the construction.
• Motorists should expect lane shifts on I-75 and SR 72 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 2023.

US 41 from Beneva Road to Caribbean Drive: Construction project:  Construction on US 41 from Beneva Road to Caribbean Drive is underway, adding sidewalks, widening paved shoulders, and adding turn lanes to accommodate six-foot wide bicycle lanes along the 1.37-mile stretch of road. Modifications to existing traffic signals and crosswalks will accommodate the bicycle lanes and new sidewalks. To reduce the number of vehicle conflict points and enhance roadway safety in the high-traffic area, median openings along the corridor will be modified eliminating select turns across traffic. Expect temporary lane closures in the project boundaries. 

• Motorists should anticipate lane closures on northbound US 41 beginning the end of April/ first of May.

Please use caution in the area or consider alternate routes if needed. Completion is expected by end of 2022.

US 41 at the KMI Bridge across Hatchett Creek, Venice: Bridge construction: Crews have begun the bridge improvement project that will go through spring 2022. Lane closures will be limited predominantly to overnight hours from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. 

• Expect occasional temporary daytime closures from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. if needed to complete topside work.

• NOTE: The project has entered the final acceptance testing phase, which requires the bridge be briefly opened four times a day for 60 days. Inspector’s will utilize already established bridge openings to achieve this, minimizing inconvenience.

 US 41 at Gulfstream Avenue Roundabout Project, Sarasota: Construction project: Crews will work within the right-of-way, medians, driveways and throughout the project limits. Please use caution and watch for construction vehicles, dump trucks, semi-trucks and heavy equipment entering or exiting the work zone.

Activities Include:

• Continue grading of roadway base along US 41 between Fruitville Road and Gulfstream Avenue on the west side. Please be aware of trucks delivering base material entering and leaving the work zones, expect vibration from compaction along US 41 from Fruitville Road to Gulfstream Avenue and along Gulfstream Avenue from US 41 to Sunset Point. Some roadwork will cross driveways, causing access widths to be reduced. Please use caution at slow speeds as configurations to accesses may have changed.
• Curb, sidewalk, and driveway installation on US 41 between Gulfstream Avenue and Ritz Carlton Drive.
• Final grading and sodding of areas behind new sidewalk and curb on US 41 between Gulfstream Avenue and Fruitville Road.
• Installation of trench drains on Gulfstream Avenue at the connection to US 41.
• Installation of storm drainage pipe at Ritz Carlton Drive during a night operation. Expect noise from equipment and vehicles. Traffic along US 41 will be maintained while the work is occurring.
• Paving of recently completed earthwork on Gulfstream Avenue and on US 41 between Gulfstream Avenue and Fruitville Road will occur at night starting Monday, April 18 through Friday, April 22. Please be aware of trucks entering and leaving the work zone. Expect vibration from compaction, and noise from equipment and vehicles.
• Traffic will be shifted for US 41 South going westbound. Traffic will be shifted west, against the new curb. The shift will occur at night with limited impact to other traffic movements. Expect noise from grinding trucks and pavement marking equipment. This shift will occur at the conclusion of the paving operation, during night hours.

Detours/Crossings:

• Phase 1A configuration in place (island traffic only on US 41 south of Fruitville Road and north of Main Street). Watch for new traffic patterns, traffic signals, and pavement markings. Motorists are urged to use alternate detour route, if possible.
• Sidewalk at the northwest corner of US 41 at Gulfstream Avenue is closed. Pedestrian paths are available via US 41 Multi-Use Recreational Trail (MURT) along Ritz Carlton Drive.
• The east pedestrian crosswalk at Sunset Drive and Gulfstream Avenue is closed. The west pedestrian crosswalk is available to cross Gulfstream Avenue. Signage and pedestrian barricades are in place for guidance.
• 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.
• Motorist may not exit the Marina Jacks parking lot via Bayfront Drive at Main Street/Marina Plaza. The south exit at Ringling Boulevard must be used to exit Marina Jacks.
• Eastbound through travel lane on Gulfstream Avenue (towards downtown) will remain closed. Use alternate routes via Ringling Boulevard or Fruitville Road.

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. 

Due to the tremendous amount of returning seasonal visitors, new residents and local traffic, motorists are facing increased traffic congestion and delays while traveling through the project and throughout the bay area. During this time, we encourage motorists to allow extra time to travel, follow the roadway signage and messaging and avoid making unauthorized U-turns or changing lanes across solid lines between the lanes when traveling through the construction work zone.

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

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 fall 2022.

SR 777 River Road from US 41 to I-75: Construction project:  Motorists will see excavation of pond area south of Venice Avenue on the east side of River Road and drainage activities along the northbound roadway, north of Venice Avenue.  FPL will be on site to relocate their overhead power line from south of Center Road to south of Venice Avenue on the east side of River Road.  Overall completion of the project is expected in winter 2024.

SR 72 at Ibis Street: Construction project: Crews are installing a new traffic signal, pavement markings, and resurfacing.  Florida Power & Light (FPL) crews will be adjusting their lines as well.  Motorists are advised that lane closures will occur during construction; however, no lane closures on SR 72 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.  Expected completion is late summer 2022.

SR 72 Clark Road Eastbound from Sawyer Road to Palmer Plaza Boulevard: Permit project: Motorists can expect intermittent eastbound right lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of April.  FPL crews will be replacing 50 poles in the area. Please use caution and watch for lane shifts.

SR 72 Clark Road and Lockwood Ridge Road:  Permit construction project: A temporary road closure will be in place through the end of April.  Sarasota County will be constructing a sewer lift station north of Clark Road.  The left turn lane from eastbound SR 72 onto north Lockwood Ridge Road will be closed.  Alternately, the westbound SR 72 outside thru-lane will not allow a right turn onto Lockwood Ridge Road. Please follow the posted detour and use caution in the area.

SR 72 Clark Road and Lorraine Road Roundabout: Permit construction project: Roundabout construction is underway, and motorists can expect a new traffic pattern by end of April.  Motorists should anticipate intermittent lane closures and use caution in the area. Expected completion is July 2022.

SR 72 at Saddle Oaks Trail: Permit Project: FPL crews will be installing poles along the south side of SR72.  This overnight work is east of I-75 to Saddle Oaks Trail and starts Monday, April 18, and goes through to the end of August.  Motorists can expect intermittent flagging operations between 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Please use caution and watch for lane shifts.

SR 72 Clark Road at Proctor Road and Dove Avenue Roundabout: Construction project: Crews have begun construction of the new free-flowing roundabout replacing the current signalized intersection. Motorists can expect short duration flagging operations for material delivery.  Please use caution in the work zone and be aware of bicyclists sharing the roadway.  Also, be aware that travel lanes on this section of SR 72 have been reduced to 11 feet wide and to 10 feet wide on Proctor Road. Completion is expected in fall 2022. 

SR 72 Eastbound from Shangri La Road to Fielding Avenue: Permit project: FPL will be replacing power poles through the end of April, so motorists can expect intermittent eastbound outside lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please use caution and watch for lane shifts.

SR 72 Clark Road from Big Slough Canal to Desoto County Line:  Construction: Crews have begun shoulder improvement, milling and resurfacing on the 6-mile stretch of roadway. Motorists can expect to see crews installing construction signs and erosion control devices as the project gets underway. Expected completion is early 2023.

SR 62 East of Duette Road to West of Hardee County Line: Permit project: Motorists can expect temporary flagging operations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as FPL performs powerline maintenance on SR 62 east of Duette Road to west of Hardee County Line.  Please use caution and watch for lane shifts.