Regarding SR 777 (River Road) from Center Road to south of I-75: FDOT determined that widening SR 777 from two lanes to six lanes from Center Road to south of I-75 will meet travel demand and enhance safety along this section. To re-design this section of SR 777, federal and state regulations require a PD&E Reevaluation be completed to determine if any additional environmental impacts would result from the additional travel lanes. This Reevaluation will evaluate and document any changes in impacts to affected resources (Socioeconomic, Cultural, Natural, and Physical), as well as any new impacts to resources. Proposed improvements include widening from two lanes to six lanes, a shared use path on both sides of SR 777, two wildlife crossings, lighting, signalization, and stormwater management facilities. More information on the reevaluation and public hearing held on November 21, 2024 can be found here.

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District One is conducting a Design-Build project to widen River Road from north of US 41 to south of I-75. The project limits fall within Sarasota County. The project length is approximately 5.06 miles. A Project Development & Environmental (PD&E) Study examined environmental impacts and opportunities for mitigation. That PD&E project is complete. This construction project will widen the roadway from two lanes to six lanes between US 41 and Center Road, and from two lanes to four lanes between Center Road and I-75. Work will include: drainage and safety improvements including shared use paths, raised medians, wildlife crossings, signing and pavement markings, lighting, signalization, and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) features will also be part of the project.

Project Schedule

PD&E Study and Roadway Design: Mid-2021 to Early 2022
Public Meeting: Early 2022
PD&E Study and Roadway Design ( 2 additional lanes from Center Road to I-75): 2024
Public Meeting: Late 2024
Construction: Early 2022 to Early 2027

The Florida Department of Transportation District One held a public meeting on January 27, 2022 to share information about a design-build project to widen River Road (State Road (SR) 777) from north of US 41 to south of I-75 in Sarasota County. 

A public meeting was held in late 2024 to share information about the PD&E project to add two more lanes on the section from Center Road to I-75, bringing that section to six lanes in both directions.