Traffic Watch for Manatee and Sarasota Counties - Week of November 15, 2021

FOR WEEK NOVEMBER 15, 2021

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 Wednesday, November 10, at 5 a.m., crews will open the new SR 70 eastbound ramp to I-75 southbound.  SR 70 eastbound motorists will bear off to the right at the on-ramp to access I-75 southbound.
• 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 8 p.m. to 5 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 late 2021. The contractor is Sacyr Construction USA, LLC.

I-275 at US 19 (Exit 5): Construction project: Crews will remove the existing high mast lighting systems and replace with conventional lighting systems.  This week, crews will install the electrical conductors.

• Motorists should expect a lane closure on I-275 during nighttime/overnight hours from 10 a.m. to 5 a.m.
• Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Estimated completion is fall 2021. The contractor is Highway Safety Devices.

I-275 at US 41 (Exit 2): Construction project: Crews will remove the existing high mast lighting systems and replace with conventional lighting systems.  This week, crews will install the electric conductors.

• Motorists should expect a lane closure on I-275 during nighttime/overnight hours from 10 a.m. to 5 a.m.
• Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Estimated completion is fall 2021. The contractor is Highway Safety Devices.

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.  Contractor is Frankie Valdez Company.

US 41 and Myakka Drive:  Maintenance construction: Contractor Turtle Infrastructure will be milling and resurfacing the roadway and will have intermittent overnight lane closures from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., Thursday, November 11, 2021.

US 301 and Tallevast Road: Maintenance construction: Contractor Turtle Infrastructure will be milling and resurfacing the roadway and will have intermittent overnight lane closures from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., Friday, November 12, 2021.

US 301 and 63^Rd Avenue east: Maintenance construction: Contractor Turtle Infrastructure will be milling and resurfacing the roadway and will have intermittent overnight lane closures from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., Monday, November 15, 2021.

US 301 and 51^st Avenue east: Maintenance construction: Contractor Turtle Infrastructure will be milling and resurfacing the roadway and will have intermittent overnight lane closures from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

US 301 North of US 41: Construction maintenance: Rogar Management of Florida crews will be performing shoulder and median work starting Monday, November 8, through Friday, November  12,  from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect lane closures and flagging operations.

SR 789 Gulf Drive north from Avenue C to 9^th Street, Bradenton Beach: Construction project: Crews will be replacing the east sidewalk with permeable pavers to improve drainage, provide natural water absorption, and relieve pressure on the current island drainage network. Expect lane closures throughout the project. Variable message signs and flagging operations will guide motorists through the construction zone. Expect noise from construction equipment. Project contractor is AF USA Construction Corporation. Project is expected to be completed by late 2021.

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.

• Motorists should expect overnight lane closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.  Please use caution in the active construction zone.
• The right turn lane on west Cortez Road and 14^th Street / US 41 into the shopping center will be removed.
• Expected completion is winter 2022, weather permitting. The contractor is Wright Construction.

SR 684/Cortez Rd and 106^th Street W: Permit construction: Crews will be milling and resurfacing the roadway on November 3 to November 4, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Motorists should expect intermittent outside westbound lane closures.  Please use caution and expect possible delays.

SR 37 from SR 62 to Polk County Line: Permit construction: Through December 2021, motorists should expect alternating north and southbound lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to perform pavement cores in preparation for an upcoming FDOT project.  Motorists should watch for traffic shifts, use caution, and expect possible delays.

SR 64 Lake Manatee State Park entrance: Maintenance construction: Contractor Turtle Infrastructure will be milling and resurfacing the roadway and will have intermittent overnight lane closures from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.  

SR 64 and SR 789 Holmes Beach: Maintenance construction: Contractor Turtle Infrastructure will be milling and resurfacing the roadway and will have intermittent overnight lane closures from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., Thursday, November 18, 2021.

SR 64 14^th street east to 26^th Street east: Maintenance construction: Contractor Turtle Infrastructure will be milling and resurfacing the roadway and will have intermittent overnight lane closures from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., Friday, November 19, 2021.

SR 64 and Carlton Arms: Maintenance construction: Contractor Turtle Infrastructure will be milling and resurfacing the roadway and will have intermittent overnight lane closures from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., Monday, November 22, and Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

SR 64 at Greyhawk Boulevard/Pope Road: Construction project: Construction of a roundabout at SR 64 and Greyhawk Boulevard/Pope Road includes installing pedestrian activated crossings on all legs of the roundabout, adding lighting and landscaping, and installing a new traffic signal and crosswalks at SR 64 and 117^th Street east.  The contractor is Watson Civil Construction, Inc. Construction completion is fall 2021, weather permitting.

• With the roundabout open and final construction work in progress, motorists should expect occasional lane closures or flagging operations if needed.
• Landscaping will be done as a separate contract beginning January 2022. Completion is slated for early spring 2022.
• Manatee County will keep Pope Road CLOSED to thru traffic after the roundabout opens. Utilize the roundabout at SR 64 and White Eagle Boulevard/Rye Road.

SR 70 from 15^th Street east to US 301: Permit project: FPL utility crews will be performing maintenance on electrical poles so motorists should expect alternating east and west bound lane closures starting Monday, November 8, through Friday, November 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Please use caution and expect possible delays.

SR 70 from Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to West of White Eagle: Permit construction project:    Motorists should expect alternating east and westbound lane closures on SR 70 from Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to west of White Eagle through the end of November from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The contractor will be constructing a left turn lane, median opening, and right turn lane.  Please use caution and expect possible delays.

SR 70 from Creekwood Boulevard to west of Caruso Road: Construction permit project: Through the end of November 2021, a detour is in place for Caruso Road on SR 70 from Creekwood Boulevard to west of Caruso Road.  This is part of the continued 44^th Avenue east improvements project, constructing utility, drainage, and roadway improvements. Please plan additional travel time and use caution in the area.

SR 70 various: Maintenance construction: Contractor Turtle Infrastructure will be milling and resurfacing the roadway and will have intermittent overnight lane closures from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 10, 2021.

15^th Street east and 22^nd Avenue east: Maintenance construction: Contractor Turtle Infrastructure will be milling and resurfacing the roadway and will have intermittent overnight lane closures from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

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 installing maintenance of traffic devices, erosion control fencing, 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. 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. The contractor is Sacyr Construction USA, LLC.

I-75 at Laurel Road within the right of way, west: Permit project: Motorists should expect alternating east\westbound lane closures on Laurel Road west of I-75 within the right of way up to Pinebrook Road. Expected completion is December 2021, weather permitting.

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, weather permitting. Lane closures will be limited to predominantly overnight hours from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.  Day work will be under the bridge and 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.

Traffic shift to construction 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:

• Continue to install stormwater/drainage pipe and structures, waterline, and electrical conduit.

• Night work is expected for the installation of waterline across US 41 at 1^st Work is scheduled for 2 nights early next week (Wednesday and Thursday). Traffic will be detoured around the work zone via US 301 or downtown.

• Installation of dewatering system for underground storm drainage work along US 41 from Fruitville Road to Gulfstream Avenue.

• Operation and maintenance of groundwater filtration system between Fruitville Road and Ritz Carlton Drive.

• Excavation and grading of the pond on the east side of US 41.

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. See attached temporary pedestrian detour route flyer.

• Pedestrian crossings on US 41 at Gulfstream Avenue and 1^st Street are closed. Temporary pedestrian paths around the work zone are available on Fruitville Road or Main Street during construction. Please use designated paths and follow posted detour signs.

• 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 as Phase 1A adjustments are made but will reopen within the next couple weeks. Use alternate routes via Main Street or Fruitville Road.

• Ritz Carlton Drive will be closed during daytime hours for water line installation. The entrance to Sunset Drive will be open during hours of Ritz Carlton Drive’s closure with flaggers to assist motorists as necessary. The operation will occur early in the week for two days. Ritz Carlton Drive will reopen at night between daytime work.

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 early fall 2022. The contractor is Russell Engineering, Inc.

US 41 from University Parkway to 14^th Street: Permit project: Crews will be performing test holes for utility locations.  Expect alternating north and southbound lane closures overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through December 2021. Please use caution and expect possible delays.

US 41 from Port Commons to State College of Florida:  Construction bridge inspection: On  November 16 and 17, 2021, motorists should expect overnight single-lane closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Crews will be sampling bridges in the area.

US 301 at 7^th Street:  Utilities permit project: The north and southbound left turn lanes from US 301 onto 7^th Street will be closed through mid-November for construction of a City of Sarasota waterline replacement on both sides of US 301. Please use caution, watch for roadway detour signs, and expect possible delays.

SR 776 between Old Englewood Road and Artists Avenue, Englewood: Utilities construction permit: FPL will be upgrading existing pole line and cable through November 2021. Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures in both the east and westbound outside lanes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Please use caution in the area.

SR 72 Clark Road and Lorraine Road Roundabout: Permit construction project: Construction is underway, and crews will complete the temporary roadway in preparation for the upcoming traffic shift.  Crews will also begin constructing drainage structures. Motorists should use caution in the area and anticipate lane closures and flagging operations. Expected completion is June 2022, weather permitting.

SR 72 Clark Road at Proctor Road and Dove Avenue Roundabout: Construction project: Crews will begin work on the new free-flowing roundabout replacing the current signalized intersection. Completion is expected in fall 2022.  The contractor is E & M Equipment.

• During Phase I: the contractor will install sidewalk closures, temporary signals, and construct the north side of the roundabout on SR 72 and the west side of Proctor Road.
• A lane shift has occurred, and a temporary signal is in place. Please use caution and be alert in the area. Lanes have decreased slightly.
• Motorists can expect temporary lane closures Monday through Friday on SR 72 (Clark Road) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Please use caution in the work zone and be aware of bicyclists sharing the roadway.
• Lane closures are not allowed from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. or during non-work periods.

SR 72 Clark Road at Sawyer Road, Legacy Trail Extension Segment 2: Permit project: Crews will continue to work on the Legacy Trail construction. Please use caution in the area.  Expected completion is the end of November 2021.