Sarasota County RoadWatch

View project: I-75 (SR 93) at Toledo Blade Boulevard and Sumter Boulevard Interchanges

• I-75 at Toledo Blade Boulevard (exit 179) and Sumter Boulevard (exit 182) Interchange Improvements: FDOT is making improvements to the I-75 at Toledo Blade Boulevard and I-75 at Sumter Boulevard interchanges. Improvements for both interchanges include the installation of signals at both ramp connections, controlled pedestrian crosswalks, intersection lighting, and the addition of northbound I-75 free flow on-ramps from southbound Toledo Blade Boulevard and from southbound Sumter Boulevard. In addition, northbound lanes will be widened to provide two full lanes through the Toledo Blade Boulevard interchange. At the Sumter Boulevard interchange, dual left turn lanes will be added from northbound Sumter Boulevard onto northbound I-75. 

  The following activities are subject to change based on weather conditions and unforeseen underground conditions. 

  Sumter Boulevard Interchange: 

  • Crews will be working on underground utility work and excavation.    

  Toledo Blade Boulevard Interchange: 

  • Crews will be working on underground utility work and clearing and grubbing.    

  Lane/ramp closure restrictions: 

  • When necessary, motorists should anticipate lane closures on the I-75 ramps between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. and full ramp closures between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Single lane closures on Sumter Boulevard and Toledo Blade Boulevard can be expected from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and double lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. As major closures are added to the schedule, more information will be included in the weekly update.   

  Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and leaving the roadway. The expected completion date is early 2027. For more information please visit: https://www.swflroads.com/project/452356-1.  

   

   

View project: 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.

  This week’s work will consist of:

  ·         Delivery of machinery and materials

  ·         Roadway median widening

  ·         Concrete curb installation

  ·         Drainage placement

  ·         Drilled shaft installation

  ·         Median barrier wall installation

  ·         Milling and paving

  Pedestrians should use designated paths and follow posted detour signs. Bike lanes are closed due to construction. Cyclists should follow the posted detour.

  Lane closures will be in place during various phases of the project. Construction will primarily take place during daytime hours, with occasional nighttime work. Expect nighttime noise from backup alarms, construction equipment, pumps and power tools during daytime and nighttime operations. Drivers are urged to use caution and watch for workers, construction vehicles, pickup trucks, and equipment entering or exiting the travel lanes.

  During construction, the speed limit on Gulfstream Avenue and John Ringling Causeway/S.R. 789 will remain 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 estimated completion date for construction is early 2027.

• 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.

   

  This week’s work will consist of:

   

  ·         Delivery of machinery and materials

  ·         Roadway median widening

  ·         Concrete curb installation

  ·         Drainage placement

  ·         Drilled shaft installation

  ·         Median barrier wall installation

  ·         Milling and paving

   

  Pedestrians should use designated paths and follow posted detour signs. Bike lanes are closed due to construction. Cyclists should follow the posted detour.

   

  Lane closures will be in place during various phases of the project. Construction will primarily take place during daytime hours, with occasional nighttime work. Expect nighttime noise from backup alarms, construction equipment, pumps and power tools during daytime and nighttime operations. Drivers are urged to use caution and watch for workers, construction vehicles, pickup trucks, and equipment entering or exiting the travel lanes.

   

  During construction, the speed limit on Gulfstream Avenue and John Ringling Causeway/S.R. 789 will remain 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 estimated completion date for construction is early 2027.

View project: Siesta Drive (SR 758) over Sarasota Bay Bridge Drawbridge NO 170061

• Sarasota Bay Drawbridge No. 170061 (North Bridge) on County Road 758/Siesta Drive: Construction project: The Florida Department of Transportation has begun normal bridge rehabilitation work to minimize the effects of the aggressive marine environment. This bridge project consists of concrete maintenance, rehabilitation of existing mechanical and electrical systems, and structural steel work and steel coating replacement. 

  •    No lane closures are scheduled during holidays and there will be no lane closures during Fourth of July holiday, Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5.

  •    Overnight lane closures are expected from June 14 – July 24, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews work on the concrete bridge deck and apply epoxy overlay protection. Crews will work on one lane at a time, alternating sides. (Dates and times may change depending on weather or work schedules.)

  • Crews are currently not scheduled to work on weekends.
  • Motorists may wish to use the South/ Stickney Point Bridge or allow for additional travel time.
  • Flaggers, barrels and warning signs will be present to help guide motorists through the construction zone.  
  • Pedestrians and bicyclists will be escorted through the work zone. 
  • Local residents closest to the bridge should anticipate noise and lights from construction equipment.

  •    Work will continue underneath the bridge span, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

  •    Pedestrian and bicyclists will continue to have access.  

  •    MARINE TRAFFIC: Bridge openings during June 22 - July 24 will be reduced to four (4) per night to accommodate the curing period needed for cement. Also, a four-hour notice is required for evening bridge openings. 

  •    Expected completion remains late 2026.
   

• Sarasota Bay Drawbridge No. 170061 (North Bridge) on County Road 758/Siesta Drive: Construction project: The Florida Department of Transportation will begin bridge rehabilitation work on Monday, April 20, 2026. Crews will begin needed improvements to minimize the effects of the aggressive marine environment. This bridge project consists of concrete maintenance, rehabilitation of existing mechanical and electrical systems, and structural steel repairs and steel coating replacement.

  • Overnight alternating lane closures expected from June 14 – July 14 (dates may change depending on weather).
    o   Motorists can expect overnight lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews conduct repairs to the concrete bridge deck and apply epoxy overlay protection.
    o   No lane closures are scheduled during holidays and there will be no lane closures on Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5 (crews are currently not scheduled on weekends).
    o   Motorists can expect flaggers, barrels and warning signs to be present during the overnight work.
    o   Pedestrians and bicyclists will be escorted through the work zone.
    o   Local residents closest to the bridge should anticipate noise and lights from construction equipment.
  • Work will continue underneath the bridge span, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Residents should expect noise from equipment throughout the project limits.
  • Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be open at all times.
  • Bridge openings will continue as normal.
  • Completion is anticipated in late 2026.

View project: SR 777 River Road from US 41 to I-75

• SR 777 River Road from I-75 to US 41: Construction project: Road embankment installation continues on the northbound roadway from Aucilla Drive to U.S. 41, and Venice Avenue to I-75. As embankment is completed, drainage installations, subgrade mixing, curb placement, and roadway grading will continue. Sod installation, signal, ITS, and lighting work are ongoing. Trucks will be crossing the road at various locations using intermittent flagging operations. Pothole maintenance will continue as necessary on all current travel ways through the project. Crews will conduct mainline paving operations and permanent sign installation within the project limits. Flagging operations may be used to guide travelers through the work areas as paving corrections occur. Please use caution and follow all road work and regulatory signs when traveling through the project. 

   

View project: US 301 (SR 683) from Desoto Road to University Parkway

• US 301 from Desoto Road to University Parkway: Construction project: Crews are milling and resurfacing US 301 from Desoto Road to University Parkway in Sarasota County.  In addition to resurfacing, crews will perform shoulder treatment and apply new signing and pavement markings. The project limits cover approximately .5 miles.

  • Motorists should expect temporary nighttime lane closures within the project limits starting in late spring.
  • Motorists can expect areas of uneven pavement throughout the project area. Please exercise caution when traveling through active construction zones and follow posted speed limits.
  • Motorists can expect crews to be intermittently working in and around the project limits during the day.
  • Estimated project completion is mid-2026.

   

View project: US 41 (SR 45) from Lychee Rd to Bay St - Resurfacing

• US 41 from West of Lychee Road to South of East Bay Street: Construction project: Crews are milling and resurfacing US 41 from west of Lychee Road to south of East Bay Street in Sarasota County.  In addition to resurfacing, crews will perform shoulder treatment and apply new signing and pavement markings. The project limits cover approximately 3.1 miles.

  • Motorists can expect nighttime temporary lane closures within the project limits for paving and pavement markings through early July.
  • Motorists can expect areas of uneven pavement throughout the project area. Please exercise caution when traveling through active construction zones and follow posted speed limits.
  • Motorists can expect crews to be present intermittently during the day throughout the project.
  • Estimated project completion is mid-2026.

   

View project: US 41 (SR 45) FROM W OF WEST VILLAGES PKWY TO W OF WOODMERE RD

• US 41 from West of West Villages Parkway to Woodmere Road: Construction project: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will begin milling and resurfacing US 41 from west of West Villages Parkway to Woodmere Road. The project limits cover approximately 5 miles. In addition to resurfacing crews will perform shoulder treatment, install vehicle detection systems and apply new signing and pavement markings.

  • Crews will be present intermittently throughout the project as final operations are completed.
  • Expected completion is mid-2026.

View project: Fruitville Road (SR 780) at Beneva Road

• Fruitville Road (SR 780) at Beneva Road: Construction/safety project: Crews are working on milling and resurfacing, widening, pavement reconstruction, driveway and turn lane improvements, sidewalks and curb, drainage modifications, signing and pavement markings and signalization on a .15-mile stretch of Fruitville Road, including the intersection at Beneva Road and Fruitville Road.

  •  Motorists can expect temporary lane closures on both Beneva Road and Fruitville Road within the project limits overnight on May 27, 28, and 29, weather permitting, to install final pavement signage and markings. Please be aware of traffic shifts as lanes are closed intermittently to accommodate the operation.
  • Pedestrians can expect detours throughout the project and are encouraged to use caution.
  • Please be aware there may be areas of uneven pavement while the project is underway.
  • Project completion is anticipated for mid-2026, weather permitting.