Traffic Watch for Manatee and Sarasota Counties - Week of January 16, 2022

FOR WEEK JANUARY 16, 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. This week, crews will work on milling and resurfacing I-75 northbound.

• 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.

• On Tuesday, January 18, at 10 p.m. to Wednesday, January 19, at 5 a.m., crews will close the SR 70 eastbound and westbound on-ramps to I-75 northbound.  Motorists are urged to follow the posted detour signs or use alternative routes.
• On Tuesday, January 18, at 10 p.m. to Wednesday, January 19, at 5 a.m., crews will close the SR 70 westbound to I-75 southbound on-ramp.  Motorists are urged to continue on SR 70 westbound and make a U-turn at Tara Boulevard and take the SR 70 eastbound to I-75 southbound on-ramp; or use alternative routes.
• 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.  

I-275 over the South Rest Area Access Road (one mile north of the South Skyway Toll Booth): Bridge Maintenance: Crews will be conducting routine bridge maintenance overnight Thursday, February 3,  from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures.

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 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 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, 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 from Beneva Road to Caribbean Drive: Construction project:  Construction on US 41 from Beneva Road to Caribbean Drive has begun, 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: 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.
• 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, and on US 41 between Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue.

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 777 River Road from US 41 to I-75: Construction project: Crews will begin setting up advanced notification signs for the work at River Road during the week of January 17, 2022.  Construction is expected to begin January 31, 2022, and the traveling public will see various clearing activities along the outside of the existing roadway.  Existing traffic patterns will not be affected. Clearing will begin at Center Road.  A Public Meeting will be held on January 27, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S River Road, Englewood, FL 34223.  Completion is expected in winter 2024. 

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. 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.