SR 70 RoadWatch

View project: State Road (SR) 70 from Lorraine Road to Bourneside Boulevard Widening Project

• S.R. 70 from Lorraine Road to Bourneside Boulevard: Construction project: This project includes widening S.R. 70 from Lorraine Road to Bourneside Boulevard from a two-lane undivided roadway to a four-lane or six-lane divided roadway, depending on the location, construction of roundabouts on S.R. 70 at Uihlein Road, Del Webb Boulevard, and Bourneside Boulevard, intersection improvements at the existing signalized intersection of Greenbrook Boulevard and Lorraine Road, construction of four bridges over two Braden River crossing locations, new drainage system, construction of 10-foot shared use paths, street lighting, and landscaping, and installation of new fiber optic cable connecting the two signalized intersections to Manatee County’s regional Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS).

  Recently, bicyclists and pedestrians have been observed entering the work zone and using shared-use paths within the project limits. Although these areas may appear finished, construction activities are still ongoing. These areas are not open to the public and may contain open excavations, fresh asphalt, or uncured concrete, posing significant safety hazards to anyone not affiliated with the project. These roadways and shared-use paths within the work zone are clearly marked as closed with signage. Additionally, vehicles have been observed driving through closed side streets while workers are present, creating a serious risk of injury or accident.

  This week’s work will consist of:

  ·         Reconstruction of S.R. 70 at Garnet Trail will occur with embankment and stabilization work.

  ·         Construction of curb pad and curb will occur on S.R. 70 between Uihlein Road and Post Boulevard.

  ·         Excavation of the pond on the north side of S.R. 70, west of Uihlein Road.

  ·         Forming the bridge deck for the easternmost S.R. 70 westbound bridge. Removing forms for the bridge approach slabs for the westernmost S.R. 70 westbound bridge and forming traffic railing.

  ·         Installing waterline pipe and drainage pipe on the north side of S.R. 70 between Lorraine Road and Post Boulevard.

  ·         Installing light poles and lighting conduit on the north side of S.R. 70.

  Garnet Trail at S.R. 70 is closed for four weeks, weather permitting, to construct the roadway connection and side street. A detour route is in place for traffic to utilize Garnet Trail by way of Post Boulevard.

  The estimated completion date for construction is summer 2027.

View project: SR 70 from Bourneside Boulevard to CR 675 (Waterbury Rd)

• 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:

  ·         Grading swale and future shared use path on the south side of S.R. 70 between Lindrick Lane and Bourneside Boulevard.

  ·         Grading swale and installing sod at C.R. 675 and S.R. 70.

  ·         Installing new power poles on the north side of S.R. 70 between 197th Street and C.R. 675.

  ·         Installing roadway base material at Lindrick Lane and S.R. 70.

  ·         Grading base material for future shared use path on the south side of S.R. 70 between Lindrick Lane and Bourneside Boulevard.

  Lindrick Lane at S.R. 70 is closed for approximately two months to construct the south side of the Lindrick Lane roundabout. During the closure, no traffic is permitted to enter or exit Lindrick Lane via S.R. 70. A full detour is in place directing traffic via 213th Street, and message boards will be posted to assist motorists. Lindrick Lane is scheduled to be reopened in September, weather permitting.

  The estimated completion date for construction is summer 2027.

View project: S.R. 70 from Peace River to SE Baker Street

• S.R. 70 from Peace River to Southeast Baker Street: Construction project: Crews will reconstruct approximately 3.4 miles of S.R. 70 within the City of Arcadia. The project includes the installation of new drainage facilities, relocation and addition of sanitary and water and utilities, upgrading traffic signals, reconstructing sidewalks, and installing street lighting in various locations. During construction, lane closures will occur on S.R. 70. Temporary pedestrian pathways are in place while sidewalks are under construction. Detours will be implemented while crews work on side roads. Please follow posted signage and use caution in the area.

  • Eastbound S.R. 70 traffic is currently using the right lane from the Peace River to Baldwin Avenue. Between Baldwin Avenue and Dade Avenue, traffic shifts to the left lane, then back to the right lane past Dade Avenue. No lane restrictions are in place past Baker Street.
  • Westbound S.R. 70 traffic shifts onto the south side of the roadway past Baker Street to facilitate the construction of a new box culvert. Past Roger Avenue, traffic utilizes the newly constructed left lane to Hillsborough Avenue. Between Hillsborough Avenue and Manatee Avenue, westbound traffic is currently utilizing the right lane. At Manatee Avenue, traffic switches into the newly constructed left lane. No lane restrictions are in place past the Peace River.
  • New traffic pattern alert: Eastbound S.R. 70 traffic shifts onto the newly constructed roadway past Manatee Avenue and continues on the new roadway through Roger Avenue. Westbound S.R. 70 traffic shifts between the right and left lanes between Robert Avenue and Luther Avenue. Motorists should use caution while navigating the new traffic pattern and associated lane shifts.
  • Nearby City of Arcadia, utility and roadway construction on adjacent side streets along the project is ongoing, requiring the closure of certain streets at S.R. 70. Motorists are urged to follow all detour signs and expect delays while this work continues.
  • Motorists are urged to use caution when approaching traffic shifts and to follow all lane markings and posted signage.

            Estimated completion is early to late 2027.