SARASOTA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District One will open the new Legacy Trail bike and pedestrian bridge over Clark Road/ State Road 72 on Wednesday, July 2, at 9 a.m. so residents and visitors can enjoy as the July Fourth Holiday gets underway.

The overall $13 million construction project includes both the Bee Ridge and Clark Road bike and pedestrian bridges and will be completed later this month.

The media are invited to the early bridge opening for photos and footage and to meet with the project management staff and local representatives.  Later in the month on Thursday, July 21, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate the project completion.

Media Day

Date:               July 2, Wednesday

Location:        Intersection of Clark Road/SR 72 and McIntosh Road

                        (See the Image below and attached)

Time:               9 – 10 a.m.          

 Background

With the growing popularity of the Legacy Trail and the desire to improve safety and enjoyment, FDOT began construction on two bike and pedestrian bridges including intersection improvements in late November 2023.  The multimillion-dollar FDOT construction project was a substantial undertaking that required the combined support of multiple entities including Sarasota County, the Trust for Public Land, the Friends of Legacy Trail, and more over multiple years to achieve.

Future bike and pedestrian bridges are being considered to further expand the safety benefits at designated road crossings.

About the Legacy Trail

The Legacy Trail is an18.5-mile paved multiuse recreational trail that extends from north Sarasota to the Historic Venice Train Depot.  The trail follows the route used by the former Seaboard Air Line Railroad and later by CSX. The right of way was purchased by Sarasota County and the Trust for Public Land in 2004 to be used for public recreational activities. 

For expanded background on the trail visit either:

1. https://www.sarasotacountyparks.com/parks-and-facilities/discover-a-park/destination-parks/the-legacy-trail
2. https://friendsofthelegacytrail.org/about-the-trail/ .

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The Florida Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities.