445926-2 SR 789 from East of Sunset Drive to Bird Key Drive

S.R. 789 from Bird Key Drive to Sunset Drive: Construction project: This project includes 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.

Sunset Drive will be temporarily closed at the Ritz Entrance off Gulfstream Avenue (S.R. 789) to accommodate driveway reconstruction and related roadway improvements. The closure is anticipated to remain in place for approximately 60 days. Please follow posted detours, traffic-control devices, and directions from construction personnel.

This week’s work will consist of:

·         Delivering machinery and materials as needed.

·         Installing concrete curb and sidewalk along the north side of the Sunset Drive intersection.

·         Installing drainage pipes and structures along the north side of Bird Key Drive, then transitioning to the south side of Sunset Drive.

·         Installing pull boxes and wiring for traffic signals at the Sunset Drive and Bird Key Drive intersections.

·         Installing traffic signal mast arms at the Bird Key Drive intersection.

·         Removing existing mast arm drilled shafts at the Sunset Drive intersection.

·         Installing pull boxes and wiring for roadway lighting along both sides of the road throughout the project limits.

·         Preparing to begin seawall cap replacement along the south side of the roadway, east of Golden Gate Point.

·         Preparing to begin roadway widening along the south side of Sunset Drive.

·         Milling and paving operations will resume at a later date.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Impacts: Pedestrians should use designated paths and follow posted detour signs. Bike lanes are closed due to construction, and cyclists should follow the posted detour.

Lane Closures and Construction Activity: Lane closures will be in place during various phases of the project. Construction will primarily take place during daytime hours, with occasional nighttime work. Motorists should expect nighttime noise from backup alarms, construction equipment, pumps, and power tools during both daytime and nighttime operations.

Drivers are urged to use caution and watch for workers, construction vehicles, pickup trucks, and other equipment entering or exiting the travel lanes.

The speed limit on Gulfstream Avenue and John Ringling Causeway/S.R. 789 will remain 35 mph during construction. Speeding fines are doubled in the construction zone when workers are present.

The estimated completion date for construction is early 2027.

S.R. 70 from Bourneside Boulevard to Waterbury Road, Bradenton: Construction project: This project includes widening S.R. 70 from Bourneside Boulevard to Waterbury Road from a two-lane undivided roadway to a four-lane divided roadway, Safety features will include roundabouts to be constructed at 197th Street East/Lindrick Lane, 213th Street East, 225th Street East/Panther Ridge Trail and County Road 675/Waterbury Road. The project will also include the installation of a new drainage system, new curb and gutter, construction of 10-foot shared-use paths and five-foot paved shoulders on both sides of the roadway, street lighting throughout the project and landscaping inside the roundabouts.

This week’s work will consist of:

·         Forming and tying steel for a box culvert across existing SR 70 east of 225th Street. Placing concrete for the box culvert.

·         Grading stabilization and roadway base material on 197th Street and existing SR 70. Installing median and roundabout curb.

·         Installing drainage inlet tops and pipe at 197th Street.

·         Removing existing utility conduit on the north side of SR 70 west of 197th Street.

197th Street at S.R. 70 is closed for approximately 45 days to allow crews to construct the north side of the 197th Street roundabout. During the closure, only emergency vehicles and school buses will be permitted to enter or exit 197th Street via S.R. 70. All other traffic will be detoured. The Manatee County School Board will be coordinating all school bus route and pickup changes during the closure. A full detour is in place, and message boards are posted to guide motorists through the area. 197th Street is expected to reopen in mid-November, weather permitting.

The estimated completion date for construction is summer 2027.