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444634-1 SR 72 (Clark Road) PD&E Study from east of I-75 to Lorraine Road
Project Details
About
SR 72 from east of I-75 to Lorraine Road is currently a two-lane undivided roadway with intermittent right-turn and left-turn lanes. This segment of SR 72 is classified as an urban minor arterial and plays an important role in the transportation network as it facilitates east-west movement within Sarasota County for both local and regional traffic including truck traffic.
This PD&E study will evaluate and document the engineering and environmental effects of proposed improvements needed to relieve existing traffic congestion along the project corridor and accommodate future travel demand from projected population and employment growth in the area. Improvements may include widening to a four-lane divided roadway as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations such as a shared-use path. FDOT is conducting this PD&E study in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal and state laws and regulations.
Need for the Project
The need for the project is based on the following:
- Future population and traffic growth
- Existing evacuation and route capacity
- Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) top 10 non-motorized crash corridor
- Lack of pedestrian and bicycle facilities
Project Funding
The PD&E Study phase has been funded in fiscal year 2022 under Financial Project Identification (FPID) number 444634-1-22-01. Design is funded under FPID 444634-2 and 444634-3. Right-of-Way and Construction phases are currently not funded in the FDOT's Five-Year Work Program or the Sarasota/Manatee MPO's 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).
Public Involvement
On May 19, 2026, the FDOT Office of Environmental Management (OEM) granted Location and Design Concept Acceptance for the S.R. 72 (Clark Road) PD&E Study from east of I-75 to Lorraine Road. The proposed improvements include widening S.R. 72 from two to four lanes within the project limits with a raised median, curb and gutter, and shared use paths on both sides. Multilane roundabouts are proposed at the intersections of S.R. 72 and Ibis Street/Talon Boulevard, Proctor Road/Dove Avenue, Hawkins Road/Coash Road, and Lorraine Road.
The project is now eligible to move to the next phase of development. For more information please contact:
Jeff Mednick, Project Manager
Florida Department of Transportation, District One
801 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830
Contact phone # 863-519-2304
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and FDOT.
