SARASOTA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will begin construction on S.R. 789 from Bird Key Drive to Sunset Drive in Sarasota on Monday, January 5, 2026. The project will include the addition of dedicated bicycle and transit lanes on the bridge, drainage upgrades, and raising the seawall cap near Sunset Drive. Other project activities include resurfacing the roadway throughout the project corridor and the installation of new traffic signals at the intersections of Sunset Drive, Golden Gate Drive, and Bird Key Drive. The project also includes relocating palm trees and small shrubs from their current locations on the eastern area of the John Ringling Causeway to medians closer to St. Armands Circle.

Preliminary work starts Monday, January 5, 2026, as crews begin mobilizing construction equipment, including delivery of machinery and materials, installing Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) signs and devices, temporary pedestrian paths around the work zone and clearing within the right of way and placing erosion-control devices.

Lane closures will be in place during various phases of the project. Initial pre-phase work involves building a temporary roadway for use during subsequent phases. This work will not impact existing travel lane configuration.

Construction will primarily take place during daytime hours, with occasional nighttime work. Expect noise from backup alarms, construction equipment, pumps, and power tools during daytime and nighttime operations.

During construction, the speed limit on Gulfstream Avenue and John Ringling Causeway (S.R. 789) will be reduced to 35 mph. Speeding fines are doubled in the construction zone when workers are present. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously and watch for workers, construction vehicles, pickup trucks, and other equipment entering or exiting travel lanes. The $12.3 million project is expected to be completed in early 2027.

For more information and project updates, visit www.swflroads.com/project/445926-2

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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.