Traffic Watch for Manatee and Sarasota Counties - Week of January 4, 2026

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

Districtwide Movable Bridges (Manatee County): Construction project: Crews began the installation of pedestrian/bicycle detection systems, conduits and electrical components, and connections to the bridge tender buildings in June 2025.

Construction on the following bridges will continue:

SR 684 Sarasota Pass Bridge (Cortez Road),
SR 64 Sarasota Pass Bridge (Anna Maria), and
SR 789 Longboat Key Pass Bridge (Longboat)

• Bridge work is anticipated to take 3-4 weeks to complete.
  
  
• Motorists are advised there will be intermittent sidewalk and lane closures.
  
  
• Motorists are advised to use caution in the construction zone.

Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Estimated completion of construction is in early 2026.

I-275 (S.R. 93) from I-75 to Terra Ceia River: Construction project: Crews are milling, resurfacing, and installing pavement markings on 2.2 miles of roadway on I-275 (S.R. 93) from I-75 to Terra Ceia River. The project improvements include milling and resurfacing, shoulder and ramp work, overbuilding for cross-slope correction, guardrail and signing, and pavement markings. 

• Crews will be on hiatus through January 5, 2026.
  
  
• Motorists can expect inside single-lane closures on southbound I-275 overnight when crews resume work.
  
  
• Estimated completion is late summer 2026.

I-75 and I-275 (Apex): Landscape project: FDOT will be installing landscaping and associated irrigation within the interchange this winter. Motorists can expect occasional shoulder closures on I-75 and I-275 on-ramps as tree and plant material are being offloaded. Please use caution in the area. Installation is expected to be completed March of 2026. 

I-75 Bridge Lane Closures: Environmental testing project: Crews will closing single lanes on five I-75 bridges (one at a time) in Palmetto from January 5-7. Motorists can expect single lane closures on January 5 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., and on January 6 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., ending the morning of January 7. The five bridges will include bridge nos. 130075, 130076, 130089, 130090 and 130107 Please look for workers and use caution in the area.

U.S. 301 from 25^th Court East to 13^th Avenue East: Construction project: Crews are in the final stages of a 7.6-mile improvement project consisting of milling and resurfacing the roadway, widening in areas, base work, curb and gutter, sidewalk, guardrail, drainage improvements, bridge expansion joints, signalization, and pavement marking. 

• Motorists can expect workers to be present as final punch list items are addressed.
  
  
• The project’s completion is expected early 2026.

U.S. 41/14^th Street West just North of 5427 14^th Street West: Manatee County utility project: Crews have temporarily closed two northbound lanes of U.S. 41/14^th Street West just north of 5427 14^th Street West to investigate the location of utilities and then perform relocation if needed per Florida statute. The work is being conducted prior to a future Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) safety project.

U.S. 41 and 16th Avenue East and U.S. 41 and 61st Street East (Palm View Road) and U.S. 41 from North of State Road (S.R.) 55 (U.S. 19) to North of 69th Street East/73rd Street East (Erie Road). Construction project: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will construct median modifications to reduce conflict points and improve safety starting in early 2026 at the intersections of U.S. 41 and 16th Avenue East and U.S. 41 and 61st Street East (Palm View Road). The project improvements also include milling and resurfacing U.S. 41 from north of S.R. 55 (U.S. 19) to north of 69th Street East/73rd Street East (Erie Road). Crews will apply new signing and pavement markings once the final paving has been completed. The project limits are approximately 2.6 miles.

• Motorists can expect overnight lane closures throughout the project limits.
  
  
• Please be aware of workers and construction equipment/noise during the overnight hours. Plan for additional time or choose an alternate route if needed.
  
  
• Estimated completion is mid-2026.

U.S. 41 (S.R. 45) from South of Moccasin Wallow Road: Permit project: There will be an intermittent outside lane closure on northbound U.S 41 just south of Moccasin Wallow Road from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through January 31, 2026. Crews will construct a right-turn lane and driveway connection along with extending the left-turn lane, sidewalk and drainage connection. Please watch for lane closures and construction workers.

S.R. 789 from the Coquina Park entrance to S.R. 64 (Manatee Avenue West): Construction project: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is milling and resurfacing approximately four miles of S.R. 789 from the Coquina Park entrance to S.R. 64/Manatee Avenue West. In addition to milling and resurfacing, crews will install traffic monitoring devices and will apply new signing and pavement markings. To minimize inconvenience, the project will be done overnight. The project was accelerated to start just after turtle nesting season ended in 2025 and is expected to finish before the next nesting season starts in 2026.

• Motorists can expect overnight single-lane closures through the length of the project.
  
  
• Please be aware of workers and construction equipment/noise during the overnight hours. Plan for additional time or choose an alternate route if possible.
  
  
• Work will be suspended for the holidays from December 19, 2025, to January 5, 2026.

The estimated completion is spring of 2026.

S.R. 684 (Cortez Road) from 26^th Street to 14^th Street West: Landscaping project: Motorists can expect periodic temporary lane closures for landscaping maintenance for the next few weeks. No nighttime lane closures, or night work is anticipated. 

S.R. 684/Cortez Road from 75^th Street West to 86^th Street West: Permit project: There will be eastbound/westbound inside and outside lane closures on S.R. 684/Cortez Road from 75^th Street West to 86^th Street West through December 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The contractor will be constructing right turn lanes, median dual left turns, two intersection improvements, side street improvements, signing and pavement markings and drainage improvements. Please watch for lane shifts and construction workers.

S.R. 70 from Lorraine Road to Bourneside Boulevard: Construction project: This project includes widening S.R. 70 from Lorraine Road to Bourneside Boulevard from a two-lane undivided roadway to a four-lane or six-lane divided roadway, depending on the location, construction of roundabouts on S.R. 70 at Uihlein Road, Del Webb Boulevard, and Bourneside Boulevard, intersection improvements at the existing signalized intersection of Greenbrook Boulevard and Lorraine Road, construction of four bridges over two Braden River crossing locations, new drainage system, construction of 10-foot shared use paths, street lighting, and landscaping, and installation of new fiber optic cable connecting the two signalized intersections to Manatee County’s regional Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS).

Notice: Please refrain from entering the work zone. New pavement has recently been installed that gives the impression of completed areas of work, but these areas are still active and use by non-project staff is a safety hazard as trucks, equipment, and work is ongoing. All new shared use paths and roadways remain closed until further notice. The work zone is an active construction area. For the safety of all, please stay out of the work area.

This week’s work will consist of:

• Excavation of the pond on the north side of S.R. 70, west of Uihlein Road.
  
  
• Driving bridge piles for the easternmost westbound bridge.
  
  
• Begin demolition of the existing box culvert to prepare for a new westbound bridge, east of Uihlein Road.
  
  
• Grading stabilization between Bourneside Boulevard and Polo Run on the north side of S.R. 70.
  
  
• Installing drainage on the north side of S.R.70 between Uihlein Road and Bourneside Boulevard.
  
  
• Installing new signal hardware at the intersection of Post Boulevard and S.R. 70.

Please use caution and watch for trucks and construction vehicles entering or exiting the work zone throughout the construction limits. Work will take place Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be aware of workers and flaggers in the area. Please use caution and be aware of workers and flaggers in the area.

S. R. 70 from Bourneside Boulevard to Waterbury Road, Bradenton: Construction project: This project includes widening S.R. 70 from Bourneside Boulevard to Waterbury Road from a two-lane undivided roadway to a four-lane divided roadway, Safety features will include roundabouts to be constructed at 197th Street East/Lindrick Lane, 213th Street East, 225th Street East/Panther Ridge Trail and County Road 675/Waterbury Road. The project will also include the installation of a new drainage system, new curb and gutter, construction of 10-foot shared-use paths and five-foot paved shoulders on both sides of the roadway, street lighting throughout the project and landscaping inside the roundabouts.

Notice: Please refrain from entering the work zone. New pavement has recently been installed that gives the impression of completed areas of work, but these areas are still active and use by non-project staff is a safety hazard as trucks, equipment, and work is ongoing. All new shared use paths and roadways remain closed until further notice. The work zone is an active construction area. For the safety of all, please stay out of the work area.

This week’s work will consist of:

• Continuing eastbound construction with base work between Panther Ridge Trail and east of Meadow Dove Lane on the south side of S.R. 70.
  
  
• Grading for curb and stabilization east of Lindrick Lane for future eastbound lanes.
  
  
• Grading embankment west of Lindrick Lane for future eastbound lanes.
  
  
• Backfilling of a box culvert between Lindrick Lane and 213th Street within the existing S.R. 70 lanes where traffic was previously diverted.
  
  
• Clearing on the north side of S.R. 70 for future shared-use path at 197th Street.
  
  
• Relocating utilities on the north side of S.R. 70.

Meadow Dove Lane will be closed beginning January 12, 2026, for construction of the south portion of the Meadow Dove Lane/C.R. 675 roundabout. During the closure, no traffic will be permitted to enter or exit Meadow Dove Lane via S.R. 70. A full detour will be in place, with message boards directing traffic along the detour route. The closure is expected to remain in effect for approximately 60 days.

S.R. 64 at Palma Sola Causeway Park: Maintenance project: Maintenance crews are installing concrete Revetment blocks along the outside edge of the roadway. Crews are currently working in the parking lot at the Palma Sola Causeway Park Picnic area and will be moving westward. This section of the picnic area is currently closed and will remain closed through early January.

S.R. 64 from 10^th Street East to Braden River: Construction project: Crews are working on milling and resurfacing, adding drainage improvements, replacing guardrails, new pedestrian signals, temporary and permanent electrical improvements, pavement reconstruction, sidewalks and curb, ramp reconstruction, signing and pavement markings, signalization, and lighting.

• Pedestrians can expect detours throughout the project and are encouraged to use caution.
  
  
• Motorists can expect lane closures overnight, starting after 7:30 p.m. for milling and resurfacing.
  
  
• Work will be suspended for the holidays from December 19, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
  
  
• Project completion is anticipated in early 2026, weather permitting.

S.R. 64 from West of Grand Harbour Parkway to East of Lorraine Road: Maintenance project Crews will be performing roadway core testing on S.R. 64 December 11 and 15 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. There are no lane closures expected but motorists are advised to watch for a moving operation, possible lane shifts and construction workers.

S.R. 64 at Uihlein Road Roundabout: Permit project: Crews are constructing a roundabout and adding lanes at the intersection of S.R. 64 and Uihlein Road through July 2026. Plan for additional travel time or consider an alternate route. Please watch for lane shifts, detours and construction workers.

S.R. 55 (U.S. 19) and S.R. 684; from 23rd Avenue W to 39th Street E, from Terra Ceia Road to I-275 and at Royal Palm Drive, Manatee: Construction project: These projects include making improvements along S.R. 55 (U.S. 19) from 23rd Avenue W to 39th Street E, S.R. 55 (U.S. 19) from Terra Ceia Road to I-275 (northbound ramp) and along S.R. 684 at Royal Palm Drive in Manatee County. Improvements will involve milling and resurfacing S.R. 55 from 23rd Avenue W to 39th Street E implementing safety improvements, guardrail replacements, sidewalk repair, lighting updates, pedestrian signal replacements, and median modifications.

• S.R. 55 (U.S. 301/U.S. 41) from 23rd Avenue W to 39th Street E - Daily sidewalk closures are scheduled for the next two weeks to accommodate directional bores and open-trench conduit installation. Work will take place during daytime hours beginning Monday, December 15, 2025, and continue throughout the week. No lane closures are expected during the daytime hours; however, pedestrian access will be detoured. Please follow the posted temporary pedestrian detour route.
  
  
• S.R. 55 (U.S. 301/U.S. 41) from 23rd Avenue W to 39th Street E - Motorists should expect the outside right turn lane closures in the southbound direction between 3rd Avenue W and Manatee Avenue W. No right turn will be allowed onto Manatee Avenue W from southbound S.R. 55. Work will take place overnight on Wednesday, December 17, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday. Please follow posted detours, use caution and watch for construction vehicles entering and exiting the work zone.
  
  
• S.R. 55 (U.S. 301/U.S. 41) from 23rd Avenue W to 39th Street E - Motorists should expect the inside left turn lane closures in the southbound direction between 17th Avenue W and 21st Avenue W. No left turns or U-turns will be permitted from southbound S.R. 55. Work is scheduled overnight Wednesday, December 17, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday. Please follow posted detours, use caution and watch for construction vehicles entering and exiting the work zone.
  
  
• S.R. 55 (U.S. 301/U.S. 41) from 23rd Avenue W to 39th Street E - Motorists should expect outside lane closures in the northbound direction between 23 Avenue W and 17 Avenue W. Work is scheduled overnight Wednesday, December 17, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday. Please use caution and watch for construction vehicles entering and exiting the work zone.

The estimated completion date for construction is spring 2027.

SARASOTA COUNTY

I-75 at SR 780/Fruitville Road Interchange (Exit 210): Construction project: Project will: reconstruct the interchange to a diverging diamond interchange; widen about two miles of I-75, from Palmer Boulevard to north of Fruitville Road, to a six-lane highway with three through lanes per direction; reconstruct or widen I-75 bridges over Fruitville Road, over Palmer Boulevard, and Main A Canal; widen Fruitville Road from Honore Avenue to east of Coburn Road; install seven-foot buffered bike lanes and six-foot sidewalks on Fruitville Road; replace traffic signals and lighting on Fruitville Road; and construct a noise wall on I-75 northbound from Bee Ridge Road on-ramp to just north of Main A Canal. This week, crews will work on installing erosion control devices, clearing and grubbing, and work on I-75 shoulders.

• Motorists should anticipate I-75 single-lane closures during the overnight hours from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the duration of the construction.
  
  
• Motorists should anticipate I-75 double-lane closures during the overnight hours from 11:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. during the duration of the construction.
  
  
• Motorists should anticipate I-75 ramp closures during the overnight hours from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the duration of the construction.
  
  
• Motorists should anticipate I-75 lane shifts during the duration of construction.
  
  
• Motorists should anticipate Fruitville Road single lane closures during the overnight hours from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the duration of the construction.
  
  
• Motorists should anticipate Fruitville Road double-lane closures during the overnight hours from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. throughout the duration of the construction.
  
  
• Motorists should anticipate Fruitville Road lane shifts during the duration of 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 2029.

Districtwide Movable Bridges (Sarasota County): Construction Project: The Florida Department of Transportation is installing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) at various locations in Sarasota County. The following bridges began construction in March 2025:

US 41 Business Intracoastal Waterway Bridge (Circus),
US 41 Business Hatchett Creek/Intracoastal Waterway Bridge (KMI),
SR 758 Sarasota Bay Bridge (Siesta Key),
SR 72 Intracoastal Waterway Bridge (Stickney Point), and
SR 789 New Pass Bridge (New Pass)

• This project includes the installation of pedestrian/bicycle detection systems, conduits and electrical components, and connection to bridge tender buildings.
  
  
• Bridge work is anticipated to take 3-4 weeks to complete construction.
  
  
• Motorists are advised that there will be intermittent sidewalk and lane closures throughout the duration of construction.
  
  
• Motorists should expect lane closures during the nighttime/overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  
  
• Motorists are advised to use caution in the construction zone.

Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Estimated completion of construction is early 2026.

U.S. 301 from Desoto Road to University Parkway: Construction project: Crews are milling and resurfacing U.S. 301 from Desoto Road to University Parkway in Sarasota County. In addition to resurfacing, crews will perform shoulder treatment and apply new signing and pavement markings. The project limits cover approximately .5 miles.

• Work will be suspended for the holidays from December 19, 2025, through January 5, 2026.
  
  
• Motorists should expect temporary nighttime lane closures within the project limits.
  
  
• Motorists can expect crews to be intermittently working in and around the project limits during the day.
  
  
• Estimated project completion is mid-2026.

U.S. 41 (S.R. 45)  from 14^th  Street to Dr. Martin Luther King Way: Permit project: The City of Sarasota’s Phase 1 Watermain Replacement project: There will be an intermittent north and southbound inside and outside lane closure on U.S. 41 from 14^th Street to Dr. Martin Luther King Way starting in July 2025, during the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Occasional intermittent nighttime work may be required throughout the project with an estimated completion in July 2026. Please look for lane shifts and construction workers.

U.S. 41 from West of Lychee Road to South of East Bay Street: Construction project: Crews are milling and resurfacing U.S. 41 from west of Lychee Road to south of East Bay Street in Sarasota County. In addition to resurfacing, crews will perform shoulder treatment and apply new signing and pavement markings. The project limits cover approximately 3.1 miles.

• Work will be suspended for the holidays from December 19, 2025, through January 5, 2026.
  
  
• Motorists should expect nighttime and daytime temporary lane closures within the project limits.
  
  
• Motorists can expect crews to be intermittently working in and around the project limits during the day.

Estimated project completion is late 2026.

U.S. 41 from West of West Villages Parkway to Woodmere Road: Construction project: Crews are milling and resurfacing U.S. 41 from west of West Villages Parkway to Woodmere Road. The project limits cover approximately five miles. In addition to resurfacing, crews will perform shoulder treatment, install vehicle detection systems and apply new signing and pavement markings.

• Work will be suspended for the holidays from December 19, 2025, through January 5, 2026.
  
  
• Motorists can expect milling and paving on the travel lanes of U.S. 41 to continue with temporary single-lane closures overnight.
  
  
• During construction, motorists can expect areas with uneven lanes.
  
  
• Motorists can expect crews to be present intermittently during the day throughout the project.

Expected completion is late 2026.

S.R. 789 from Bird Key Drive to Sunset Drive: Construction project: This project includes the addition of dedicated bicycle and transit lanes on the bridge, drainage upgrades, and raising the seawall cap near Sunset Drive. Other project activities include resurfacing the roadway throughout the project corridor and the installation of new traffic signals at the intersections of Sunset Drive, Golden Gate Drive, and Bird Key Drive. The project also includes relocating palm trees and small shrubs from their current locations on the eastern area of the John Ringling Causeway to medians closer to St. Armands Circle.

This week’s work will consist of:

• Mobilize construction equipment, including delivery of machinery and materials.
  
  
• Install Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) signs and devices.
  
  
• Install temporary pedestrian paths around the work zone. Please use designated paths and follow posted detour signs.
  
  
• Clear within the right of way and install erosion-control devices.

Lane closures will be in place during various phases of the project. Initial pre-phase work involves building a temporary roadway for use during subsequent phases. This work will not impact existing travel lane configuration.

Construction will primarily take place during daytime hours, with occasional nighttime work. Expect noise from backup alarms, construction equipment, pumps, and power tools during daytime and nighttime operations.

During construction, the speed limit on Gulfstream Avenue and John Ringling Causeway/S.R. 789 will be reduced to 35 mph. Speeding fines are doubled in the construction zone when workers are present. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously and watch for workers, construction vehicles, pickup trucks, and other equipment entering or exiting travel lanes.

S.R. 780/Fruitville Road at Beneva Road: Construction/safety project: Crews are working on milling and resurfacing, widening, pavement reconstruction, driveway and turn lane improvements, sidewalks and curb, drainage modifications, signing and pavement markings and signalization on a .15-mile stretch of Fruitville Road, including the intersection at Beneva Road and Fruitville Road. Work is expected to start early January 2026.

• Motorists can expect nighttime lane closures throughout construction.
  
  
• Please be aware of workers and construction equipment/noise during the overnight hours. Plan for additional time or choose an alternate route if needed.
  
  
• Pedestrians can expect detours throughout the project and are encouraged to use caution.
  
  
• Project completion is anticipated for mid-2026, weather permitting.

S.R. 777 River Road from I-75 to U.S. 41: Construction project: Road embankment installation continues on the northbound roadway from Aucilla Drive to U.S. 41. As embankment is completed, drainage installations, subgrade mixing, curb placement, and roadway grading will continue. Sod installation, signal, ITS, and lighting work are ongoing. Trucks will be crossing the road at various locations using intermittent flagging operations. Pothole maintenance will continue as necessary on all current travel ways through the project. Work to construct the Bridge Church driveway is planned to commence in the coming weeks. Contractor personnel will not be on site from December 24, 2025, to January 5, 2026.

S.R. 72 (Clark Road) from Honore Avenue to West of Gantt Road: Construction project: The Florida Department of Transportation is milling, resurfacing, installing curb, gutter, drainage and pavement markings on less than one-half mile on Clark Road (S.R. 72) from Honore Avenue to west of Gantt Road in Sarasota County.

• Motorists can expect intermittent single- and dual-lane closures overnight throughout the project.
  
  
• Please watch for signs, barricades and workers close to the travel lanes and obey posted speed limits in the construction zone.
  
  
• Work will be suspended for the holidays through January 5, 2026.
  
  
• The project’s estimated completion is in mid-2026.