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:

   

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

  ·         Removing forms for the approach slabs for the easternmost S.R. 70 westbound bridge. Tying steel and forming traffic railings. 

  ·         Finishing drainage structures throughout the project.

  ·         Grading base material for future westbound S.R. 70 roadway between Uihlein Road and Garnet Trail.

  ·         Grading base material and installing curb at Polo Trail.

   

  Polo Trail at S.R. 70 is closed for approximately 30 days to allow crews to construct Polo Trail and the future westbound lanes at the entrance. During the closure, no vehicles will be permitted to use Polo Trail. A full detour is in place, and message boards are posted to guide motorists through the area. Polo Trail is anticipated to reopen in early November, weather permitting.

   

  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:

  ·         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.