Traffic Watch for Manatee and Sarasota Counties - Week of March 27, 2022

FOR WEEK MARCH 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 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 ramps, and median and 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.  Starting Sunday, April 3, motorists can expect overnight lane closures thru Thursday, April 14, 2021. 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.

SR 64 at Lorraine Road: Permit project: Westbound motorists can expect intermittent right lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-April.  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. 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.

I-75 southbound over Bee Ridge Road: Bridge maintenance: Crews will be conducting bridge maintenance overnight on Wednesday, March 30, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Motorists can expect right lane closures.

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.

Currently only temporary lane closures are expected in the project boundaries.  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.

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.

Activities Include:

• Tie-in of recently installed watermain line at Palm Avenue and 1st Street. Work will occur over a three-day period during daytime hours. Palm Avenue, 1st Street and 2nd Street will be closed at US 41 starting Thursday, March 31. Motorists will not be allowed to enter or exit from US 41 onto these streets, please use Cocoanut Avenue. No driveways will be impeded by the work.
• Pull conductor and energize recently installed light poles throughout the project.
• 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.
• Curb, sidewalk, and driveway installation on US 41 between Gulfstream Avenue and Fruitville Road.
• Installation of trench drains on US 41 between Gulfstream Avenue and Ritz Carlton Drive.
• Installation of yard drainage pipe and structure on US 41 by Fruitville Road.

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.
• Palm Avenue, 1st Street and 2nd Street will be closed at US 41 in both directions. US 41 to Fruitville Road to Cocoanut Avenue can be used to access downtown. Motorists existing downtown can access US 41 via 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 780 Fruitville Road at Coburn Road: Construction project: Crews are closing the existing median opening on Fruitville Road at Coburn Road. This week, crews will remove the opening and replace with sod.  Motorists are advised that lane closures will occur during construction; however, no lane closures will occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Expected completion is early April 2022.

SR 777 River Road from US 41 to I-75: Construction project:  Motorists will see clearing of trees and embankment activities along the east side of the roadway north and south of Venice Avenue. Completion is expected in winter 2024. 

SR 72 at Ibis Street: Construction project: Crews are installing a new traffic signal, pavement markings, and resurfacing.  This week, Florida Power & Light crews will be adjusting their lines.  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.  Crews will be replacing 50 Florida Power & Light (FPL) poles. 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.  Please use caution in the area.  Motorists should anticipate intermittent lane closures. Expected completion is July 2022.

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.  A Phase II traffic shift will start March 2022.  Completion is expected in fall 2022. 

SR 62 East of Duette Road to West of Hardee County Line: Permit project: During March 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.