Road Report: Updated Interchanges, Bridge Projects

SARASOTA, FL – The Florida Department of Transportation warned motorists travelling around and through Manatee and Sarasota counties this week that several projects could cause delays in travel plans. The projects range from bridge updates to improved interchanges on Interstate 75.

Here are highlights of the projects that will affect travel in the area:

On the County Line

Interstate 75 at University Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange

On Sunday, March 20 between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., Price Contracting, the contractor installing the Diverging Diamond Interchange at Exit 213 (University Parkway) anticipates a temporary detour while crews restripe the lanes and adjust traffic lights on the ramps. Detours include:

Motorists traveling southbound on I-75 wishing to use Exit 213: Continue south on I-75, exit at Fruitville Road, Exit 210; travel east and take northbound I-75; take Exit 213.

Motorists traveling on University Parkway wishing to travel south on I-75: Take northbound I-75, exit at westbound State Road 70, Exit 217B; take southbound I-75 and continue south.

Temporary intermittent single- and double-lane closures will take place on University Parkway in both directions from Copper Creek Boulevard to Market Street from Monday, March 20 through Friday night, March 25 from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Double-lane closures begin at 10 p.m.

Temporary intermittent single- and double-lane closures will take place on I-75 in both directions at Exit 213 from Monday, March 20 through Friday night, March 25 from 8 p.m. to 6 p.m. Double-lane closures begin at 10 p.m. Watch for trucks entering and leaving the Interstate.

During the daytime, the contractor will work on diving piles on the I-75 southbound bridge, installing drain pie throughout the project, widening the bridge at Foley Creek, widening the shoulder on I-75 and installing a barrier wall. Watch for changes in the speed limit.

Sarasota County

Bridge Projects at St. Armand’s Key, Hanson Bayou and South Creek

D.N. Higgins is installing scour countermeasures. Expect nighttime and overnight lane closures, and daytime work. Marine traffic should use caution. Expected completion: Spring 2016.

Sarasota County Advance Traffic Management System Phase IV

Traffic Control Devises is upgrading traffic signal controllers and equipment for 52 intersections throughout Sarasota County, the City of Sarasota and the City of North Port. Improvements include CCTV cameras and fiber optic communications cable and transmission equipment along the roadway. Ten intersections will receive full ADA upgrades. Expected completion: Spring 2016.

Interstate 75 from Sumter Boulevard to River Road

Prince Contracting is expanding Interstate 75 to six lanes. Expect nighttime and overnight southbound lane closures at River Road from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Sunday, March 20. Estimated completion: Fall 2016.

U.S. Highway 41 at State Road 789

Sidewalks will remain closed on the west side of U.S. 41 from State Road 789 to Ritz Carlton Drive and on the north side of State Road 789 from Sunset Drive to U.S. 41 will remain closed until the development under construction at that intersection is complete. Pedestrians should follow detour.

U.S. Highway 41 from Woodmere Road to the Lowes Entrance

AJAX Paving is resurfacing the roadway, plus replacing traffic and pedestrian signals. Expected completion: Spring 2016

U.S. Highway 41/Venice By-Pass from Gulf Coast Boulevard to Bird Bay Drive

Utility and storm drain systems are being installed. Expect nighttime and overnight northbound and southbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Crews are also working at the intersections of Cypress Avenue, Groveland Avenue, and Pineland Avenue. Expect nighttime and overnight lane closures on these streets rom 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ridgewood Avenue at U.S. Highway 41/Venice By-Pass

While Bergeron Land Development is installing utilities and storm drains, this intersection will be closed for approximately four months. Only local traffic may access the Ridgewood Mobile Home community during this time.

State Road 758/Bee Ridge Road/Osprey Avenue from Siesta Drive to Dunn Drive

Detours are in place while Shade Avenue south of State Road 758/Bee Ridge Road is closed through Monday, March 28 at 6 a.m. Construction is taking place for significant drainage improvements, resurfacing the roadway, reconstructing sidewalk, and installing new signals in some areas. The project also includes 11 pedestrian refuge islands on Bee Ridge Road between Dunn Drive and U.S. Highway 41. Expected completion: Summer 2017.

State Road 72 at the Stickney Point Drawbridge

Coastal Marine Construction is making repairs to the bridge and the tender house. Expect nighttime and overnight flagging operations and extended bridge openings of up to 15 minutes between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Expected completion: Spring 2016.

State Road 72 at Myakka Valley Trail

Gator Grading & Paving are constructing a turn lane, resurfacing the roadway and installing new signs and markings. Expect intermittent daytime lane closures controlled by flaggers. Expected completion: Early 2016.

State Road 72 at Gateway

AJAX Paving is constructing new mast arms and signals. Expect nighttime and overnight lane closures from 8 a.m. to 7 a.m. Expected completion: Fall 2016.

Manatee County

I-75 bridge over CXS Railroad Crossing

AJAX Paving Industries is surfacing the roadway, installing new signs, and improving pavement markings. Expect night and overnight lane closures while crews are working. Expected completion: Summer 2016.

U.S. Highway 301 from County Road 675 (Rutland Road) to Moccasin Wallow Road

Russell Engineering is widening U.S. Highway 301 to a four-lane divided highway, including constructing sidewalks, installing highway lighting, constructing medians, and improving drainage. Crews are working Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A daytime northbound turn lane closure may be in place along U.S. Highway 301 south of Rutland Road. Shifts of the through traffic may be in place to accommodate, but all lanes will remain open. Diversions of driveways and lane shifts may be in place adjacent to the work and shoulder closures will be set up throughout the project. Expected completion: Fall 2016.

U.S. Highway 301 at Haben Boulevard

AJAX Paving crews are making median modifications, resurfacing the roadway and installing new traffic signals. Expect night and overnight lane closures from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Expected completion: Fall 2016.

U.S. Highway 41 to the Hillsborough County Line and at Piney point Road and Dock Street

Pepper Contracting is reconstructing part of the roadway, installing a new traffic signal at the Interstate 275 westbound off-ramp to U.S. Highway 41 among other improvements. Expect possible nighttime and overnight lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Estimated completion: Late 2016.

U.S. Highway 41 from 63rd Avenue West to 53rd Avenue West

Highway Safety Devices is constructing sidewalks, improving drainage, installing lighting and placing new signs and pavement markings. Expect daytime southbound outside lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expect nighttime and overnight lane closures within 600 feet of signalized intersections from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Expected completion: Late Spring 2016.

State Road 789/Gulf Drive just south of 26th Street

Crews are installing water service. Expect nighttime and overnight intermittent lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29.

State Road 70 from 46th Street to 45th Street

Crews are constructing a driveway. Expect intermittent outside westbound lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, March 25. Expect possible delays.

State Road 64 at Village Green Parkway

Florida Safety Contractors is making roadway improvements and working on traffic signals. Expect nighttime and overnight lane closures from 7:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Expected Completion: Spring 2016.

Image via Shutterstock

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