Traffic Watch for Manatee and Sarasota Counties - Week of January 9, 2022

FOR WEEK JANUARY 9, 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 SR 70 Interchange (Exit 217): Construction project: This week, crews will work on widening I-75, the ramps, and median and drainage work on SR 70.

• On Saturday, January 8, at 10 p.m. to Monday, January 10, at 5 a.m., crews will close the I-75 southbound off-ramp lanes to SR 70 eastbound.  I-75 southbound traffic will be allowed to use Exit 217/SR 70 to travel onto SR 70 westbound.  Those wishing to travel to SR 70 eastbound will make a U-turn at Tara Boulevard.
• On Monday, January 10, at 7 a.m. to Tuesday, January 11, at 7 p.m., crews will close the entrance to Manor Hill Way (entrance to Twelve Oaks Plaza).  Motorists are urged to use Tara Boulevard and Stone River Road to access plaza.
• On Wednesday, January 12, at 7 p.m. to Thursday, January 13, at 7 p.m., crews will close the entrance to Ranch Lake Boulevard (entrance to River Club Plaza). Motorists are urged to continue onto 87^th Street E/Ranch Lake Boulevard to enter plaza.
• On Friday, January 14, at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., crews will close the entrance to Lena Road.  Motorists are urged to access Lena Road via 87^th Street E to 54^th Drive East.
• 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 early 2022.

I-75 at SR 64 bridge northbound: Bridge maintenance: On Thursday, January 27, crews will be making overnight bridge repairs. Motorists can expect north bound right lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

I-75 at SR 64: Landscape installation: Crews will begin installing landscaping that requires periodic shoulder closures. No roadway lane closures are anticipated. Estimated completion is winter 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.  Lane closures will be predominantly during 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 and Greyhawk Roundabout: Landscape installation: Crews are installing landscaping in both the center and shoulder areas for the recently completed roadway construction.  Intermittent, temporary lane closures may be necessary. Expected completion is January 2022.

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

SR 684 Cortez Road from US 41/ 14^th Street to 26^th Street: Construction project: Crews have begun 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 over Main A Canal: Bridge maintenance: On Tuesday, January 11, crews will be making overnight bridge repairs so motorists can expect north bound right lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

I-75 over Raintree Boulevard Southbound (1.1 miles north of the Charlotte County line): Bridge maintenance: On Thursday, January 13, crews will be making overnight bridge repairs so motorists can expect south bound right lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

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, drainage work, and clearing and grubbing.

• 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 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 over Dona Bay: Bridge maintenance: On Monday, January 10, crews will be making bridge repairs in both the north and southbound lanes with intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

US 41 at Gulfstream Avenue Roundabout: 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 uprights on US 41 south of Gulfstream Avenue and on Gulfstream Avenue where bases were previously set.
• Continue grading of roadway base along Gulfstream Avenue and US 41 between Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue on the east side.
• Testing of recently installed watermain in preparation of tie-in.
• Operation and maintenance of groundwater filtration system between Fruitville Road and Ritz Carlton Drive.
• Construct curbs on US 41 between Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue, and on Gulfstream Avenue.
• Grade and construct sidewalk on US 41 between Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue.
• Continue grading of the pond in the downtown area and prepare for final sod installation.
• Continue installing underground storm drainage 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. Expected completion is fall 2022.

SR 758 Bee Ridge Road from US 41 to Macintosh Road: Construction project:  Crews will be replacing lighting luminaire structures along the corridor during overnight hours through February 2022.  Please use caution and anticipate lane closures.

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 drainage structures through January 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. Intermittent lane closures are expected. Please use caution in the work zone and be aware of bicyclists sharing the roadway.  Completion is expected in fall 2022.