SR 70 RoadWatch

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 the swale and installing sod on the south side of S.R. 70 between Lindrick Lane and Bourneside Boulevard.

  ·         Hauling and grading roadway embankment for the north side of the roundabout at 213th Street. Grading shared use path in the 213th Street vicinity.

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

  ·         Traffic will be switched to eastbound lanes between Bourneside Blvd. to east of Lindrick Lane. This operation will require lane closures and flagging. Be aware of project personnel controlling traffic.

  ·         Removal of existing curb and pavement at 197th Street and existing SR 70.

  197th Street at S.R. 70 will be closed beginning September 30 for approximately 45 days to allow crews to construct the north side of the 197th Street roundabout. During the closure, only emergency vehicles 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 bus route and pickup changes during the closure. A full detour will be in place, and message boards will be posted to guide motorists through the area. 197th Street is anticipated to reopen in mid-November, weather permitting.

  The estimated completion date for construction is summer 2027.

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.

  ·         Grading of the approach slabs for the easternmost S.R. 70 westbound bridge. Tying steel and forming for the approach slab.

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

  ·         Construction of concrete drainage flumes east of Bourneside Boulevard. Finishing drainage structures throughout the project.

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

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

  Polo Trail at S.R. 70 will be closed beginning Monday, October 5, 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 will be in place, and message boards will be 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: 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.
  • 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 mid 2028.