Traffic Watch for Manatee and Sarasota Counties - Week of February 20, 2022

FOR WEEK FEBRUARY 20, 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 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 over the Manatee River for a northbound exit ramp and a southbound entrance ramp, and US 301 improvements.

• 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 ramps, and median and work on SR 70.

• 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 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.

I-75 northbound over the Salt Marsh (2.5 miles south of US 301): Bridge maintenance: Crews will be making bridge repairs on Wednesday, February 23, and Thursday, February 24, from 9 p.m. until  5 a.m.  Motorists can expect lane closures in the northbound right lanes.

I-75 southbound over the Braden River (2.5 miles south of SR 70): Bridge maintenance: Crews will be making bridge repairs on Monday, February 21, and Tuesday, February 22, from 9 p.m. until  5 a.m.  Motorists can expect southbound lane closures.

I-75 at SR 64: Landscape installation: Crews are installing landscaping that may require periodic shoulder closures. No roadway lane closures are anticipated. Estimated completion is winter 2022.  

US 41  at 1^st Street from Manatee Memorial Hospital to 13^th Avenue:  Maintenance construction: Starting February 21 through February 22, crews will be making overnight pothole repairs from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

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.  Lane closures will be predominantly limited to overnight hours from 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. so inconvenience to motorists should be limited.  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 overnight lighting. Completion is anticipated summer 2022.

SR 64 from 22^nd Street East to 27^th Street East:  Maintenance construction: Starting February 23 through February 24, crews will be making overnight pothole repairs from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

SR 64 at School House Drive: Construction project: Crews are installing drainage improvements.  This week, crews will be working on punch list items and final site cleanup.  Motorists are advised to expect one lane closed on SR 64 during construction. Expected completion is February 2022.

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. The posted speed limit will be maintained as will pedestrian access to bus stops and side streets. Expected completion is winter 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, fencing, 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. Lane closures are expected in the project boundaries so 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.
• Day work will typically be limited to under the bridge or for the bridge tender house.
• Marine traffic should be mostly unaffected. If a boat requires dual bridge spans opened, it will require a 6-hour advance reservation.
• During final acceptance testing, the bridge will be briefly opened four times a day for 60 days.

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.

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.

Activities Include:

• Install light pole lighting assemblies on US 41 south of Gulfstream Avenue and on Gulfstream Avenue where bases were previously set.
• Installation of lighting conduit and pull-boxes throughout the project.
• Continue grading of roadway base along Gulfstream Avenue and US 41 between Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue on the east side.
• Excavation and roadway earthwork on US 41 between Gulfstream Avenue and Fruitville Road.
• Removal and disposal of existing watermain that was placed out of service on US 41 by the Ritz Carlton Drive.

Detours/Crossings:

• Sidewalk at the northwest corner of US 41 at Gulfstream Avenue will be temporarily closed for the installation of drainage pipe. 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.

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.
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.

US 41 between the Red Barn and University Parkway: Maintenance construction: Monday February 21, through Friday, February 25, crews will be replacing pavement markings (both long line and markings at intersections) overnight from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

SR 789 Eastbound over the Little Ringling Bridge (1.4 miles west of US 41): Bridge maintenance: Crews will be performing overnight maintenance Sunday, February 27, and Monday, February 28, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Motorists should expect eastbound lane closures.

SR 789 Westbound over the Little Ringling Bridge (1.4 miles west of US 41): Bridge maintenance: Crews will be performing overnight maintenance Wednesday, March 9, through Friday, March 11, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Motorists should expect westbound lane closures.

SR 780 Fruitville Road at Lime Avenue: Permit project: Crews will be making watermain, sidewalk and roadway repairs through the end of February.  Motorists can expect lane closures and a brief detour in the eastbound outside lane on Fruitville Road at Lime Avenue and in the westbound left turn lane onto southbound Lime Avenue.   Please use caution in the area.

SR 777 River Road from US 41 to I-75: Construction project:  Motorists will see tree removal and clearing activities along the outside of the existing roadway starting near I-75 moving south. The contractor will also be constructing a portion of temporary pavement in front of the 7-11/Mobil at the north end of the project in order to shift traffic the week of February 21, 2022. Completion is expected in winter 2024. 

SR 72 and Lockwood Ridge Road:  Permit construction project: A temporary road closure will be in place through the end of February.  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 so please use caution in the area.  Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures. Expected completion is June 2022.

SR 72 Stickney Point at US 41: Permit project: Crews will be constructing curb and gutter, turn lanes and installing a signal through February 2022. Please use caution and watch for workers in the construction zone.

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.  Completion is expected in fall 2022.