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: 

  • During the nighttime/overnight hours of 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Monday, November 9 to Friday, November 13, motorists should anticipate closures of the northbound I-75 on-ramp at Sumter Boulevard (exit 182) for crews to work on road widening. Motorists are advised to use extra caution and follow the posted detour routes or find alternative routes. 

  • Crews are working to activate the traffic signals at the Sumter Boulevard interchange, at which point they will remain in flash mode for approximately two weeks. The signals are anticipated to be fully operational by late November. The contractor will be placing message boards in the area to provide notice to motorists.   

  • Crews will also be working on signal operations.  

  Toledo Blade Boulevard Interchange: 

  • Crews will be working on sidewalks. 

  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:

   

  ·         Delivering machinery and materials as needed.

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

  ·         Installing shared use path sidewalk on north side of Bird Key.

  ·         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.

  ·         Replacing the seawall cap along the south side of the roadway, east of Golden Gate Point.

  ·         Prepare for roadway widening along the south side of Sunset Drive.

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

  ·         No lane closures are currently scheduled for the next week.

  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.

View project: SR 683 (US 301) from SR 45 (US 41) to South of 10th Street

• U.S .301/S.R. 683 from U.S. 41 to South of 10th Street: Construction project: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will begin milling and resurfacing U.S .301/S.R. 683 from U.S. 41 to South of 10th Street in Sarasota County. The improvements consist of milling and resurfacing, curb and gutter, sidewalk, signalization, lighting, and signing and pavement markings. Additionally, there will be a mid-block Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) crossing constructed north of S. Payne Parkway.

  • Initial work will consist of daytime concrete removal and replacement, soft digs, project preparation activities and other associated operations. No lane closures for the above activities are anticipated.
  • Motorists can expect to encounter overnight lane closures starting in late October from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as milling and resurfacing operations begin.
  • Motorists can expect workers and construction equipment to be present during the day/night.
  • Motorists may experience uneven lanes within the project limits during construction.
  • Pedestrians may experience detours while sidewalks are under construction.
  • Motorists should use caution, watch for workers and equipment, and expect possible delays while traveling through the work zone. Consider using an alternate route while construction is underway.
  • Project completion is expected summer of 2027.

View project: S.R.776 from Charlotte County Line to South of U.S. 41

• S.R. 776 from Charlotte County Line to South of U.S. 41: Construction project: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has begun milling and resurfacing State Road (S.R.) 776 from the Charlotte County line to south of U.S. 41. FDOT is also conducting a median modification project on S.R. 776 from the Charlotte County line to Tangerine Woods Boulevard. While individual project schedules will vary, the combined contract began in mid-2026 and spans just over eight miles. 

  • Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane closures as crews prepare and install median modifications in the center lanes. Please slow down and watch for workers and lane shifts during this operation.
  • Motorists will notice lane shifts and concrete bicycle lane separators on northbound and southbound S.R. 776 south of Dearborn Street.
  • To keep the road open during construction, motorists can expect crews to work one lane at a time. This may cause temporary uneven pavement on sections of roadway.
  • Crews and equipment may be present within the project limits during daytime/nighttime hours. Sounds from construction equipment and vehicles can be expected.
  • lease use caution when traveling through active construction zones and follow posted speed limits.
  • Estimated project completion is in summer 2027.

   

View project: l-75 (S.R. 93) at Clark Road (S.R. 72) Interchange Landscaping

• l-75 and Clark Road Interchange: Landscape project: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will be installing landscaping and associated irrigation within the interchange this summer through early fall. Motorists can expect occasional shoulder closures on Clark Road and I-75 ramps as tree and plant material are being offloaded (no landscaping to be installed on the interstate). Please use caution in the area.

  • Watch for trucks and landscaping equipment entering and exiting throughout the project limits.
  • Be prepared for intermittent shoulder closures.
  • Please use caution in the area.

View project: SR 72 (Clark Road) from US 41 (SR 45) to East of Derek Avenue

• S.R. 72 (Clark Road) from U.S. 41 (S.R .45) to East of Derek Avenue: Construction project: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has begun milling and resurfacing Clark Road/S.R. 72 from U.S. 41/S.R. 45 to East of Derek Avenue. Improvements include median modifications, lighting, signalization, drainage, curb and gutter and sidewalk improvements within the project limits. Additional work will include a mid-block pedestrian crossing to enhance pedestrian safety. The project spans just over 3.83 miles with an estimated completion of late 2027.

  • Motorists can expect new traffic patterns on Clark Road from Swift Road to Sawyer Road. Center lanes will be closed as crews conduct median modifications. Please use caution when traveling through the project limits, be alert for changing traffic patterns, and follow all construction signage.

  • As always, changing traffic patterns can cause confusion among motorists. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution, stay alert, and follow all posted regulatory signage while driving in a  construction zone. 

  • Motorists are advised that driving through a designated work area marked by construction barrels is not allowed in an active construction zone. Vehicles have been observed driving in between barrels in the construction zone, which is a safety hazard and can be dangerous to both workers and other motorists. Please only make turns in designated turn lanes.

  • Motorists can expect nighttime lane closures/lane shifts throughout the project limits.

  • Motorists may experience uneven lanes within the project limits during construction.

  • Pedestrians may experience detours while sidewalks are under construction.

  • Speed limits are reduced to 35 MPH.

  • Please watch for workers and use caution when navigating an active construction zone.

  • Estimated completion is late 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. 

  • Overnight lane closures are expected through the end of November from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews work on the mechanical components. Overnight work will also include repairs to signal assemblies. Crews will work on one lane at a time, alternating sides. (Dates and times may change depending on weather and work schedules.)
  • Flaggers, barrels and warning signs will be present to guide motorists through the construction zone.
  • Bridge openings during testing: While the mechanical and electrical systems are being tested, there may be occasional longer than normal waits for the bridge to open/close. Testing will be done along with normal bridge operations when possible, but motorists may experience intermittent potential delays.
  • Motorists may wish to use the South/ Stickney Point Bridge or allow for additional travel time.
  • Work will continue underneath the bridge span, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Crews are currently not scheduled to work on weekends.
  • Pedestrians and bicyclists will continue to have access.
  • MARINE TRAFFIC: During the daytime hours, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., single-leaf openings will commence to accommodate mechanical and electrical work from November 2 through November 30. Overnight, bridge openings will continue to be reduced to four (4) per night to accommodate the machinery testing and calibrations. A four-hour notice is required for full daytime openings during this period and for evening bridge openings.
  • Expected completion remains 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: Maintenance and erosion control work are ongoing. Pothole maintenance will continue as necessary on all current travel ways through the project. Crews will continue to closeout work. Please use caution and follow all road work and regulatory signs when traveling through the project.