Numerous traffic changes implemented in area of planned roundabouts at 10th and 14th streets

No left turns allowed from 14th street to just north of 10th Street Boat Ramp

A lane shift has been created on U.S. 41 in the vicinity of the roundabouts project. Photo courtesy City of Sarasota

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has implemented several traffic changes along U.S. 41 between 14th Street and 10th Street in Sarasota in preparation for the roundabout construction at those streets, City Manager Tom Barwin announced in his Feb. 16 newsletter.

First, the traffic shift for northbound and southbound lanes is in effect, Barwin pointed out.

No left turns — for either northbound or southbound traffic — are being allowed from 14th Street to just north of the 10th St. Boat Ramp, he noted. This includes no left turns into Whitaker Gateway Park, he wrote.

The speed limit has been reduced to 30 mph, he continued, and speeding fines are doubled when workers are present.

As of Monday, Feb. 19, boaters will be able to access the 10th Street Boat Ramp from U.S. 41 only, Barwin continued. The 10th Street access will be closed. However, left turns from northbound U.S. 41 into the boat ramp area will be allowed, he wrote.

Some of the changes, such as the left-turn prohibition, have resulted from the lack of right of way to create a left-turn lane, Barwin explained. By not allowing left turns, FDOT staff hopes to prevent traffic “from stopping and stacking,” he added.

Following the City of Sarasota’s request for  a neighborhood meeting to update community residents on the roundabouts project, FDOT is scheduling a session for early March, Barwin continued. Project managers will be in attendance to explain the phases of construction, answer questions and entertain suggestions, Barwin wrote. “As soon as the date and time are set we’ll share that information on the City’s social media channels,” he noted.

FDOT’s plan calls for the roundabouts to be completed in early 2020 at a cost of $12.6 million.

An FDOT graphic explains facets of the project. Image from FDOT’s project webpage

For more information about the project, visit the FDOT webpage.