As early as Feb. 16, six new traffic patterns expected to be in effect in Sarasota in relation to roundabout work at U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road

Third left-turn lane for eastbound traffic on Ringling Bridge to be reinstated as one of changes

Changes in traffic patterns in the vicinity of the U.S. 41/Fruitville Road intersection could occur as early as Feb. 16, city staff is warning drivers. Image courtesy City of Sarasota

“Work is progressing well” with the construction of the roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road, Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin reported in his Feb. 7 newsletter.

Moreover, Barwin continued, “[N]ew traffic patterns are expected to begin earlier than anticipated — as soon as Sunday, Feb. 16.”

Barwin encouraged the public, “Expect and plan ahead for six significant changes along the corridor:

  • (1) Westbound Fruitville Road between Cocoanut Avenue and U.S. 41 will be closed. He stressed, “This road closure — westbound only — will be in place for the duration of the project while crews construct the roundabout. Five electronic message boards are being strategically positioned around the city,” he added, “alerting drivers to this pending traffic change. Drivers who use Google Maps will be notified about the closure and official detour,” which will be Lemon Avenue to 10th St., Barwin noted.
  • (2) The traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road will be permanently removed. This will allow traffic to flow freely off the barrier islands, Barwin wrote.
  • (3) Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 41 will begin using diversionary lanes to bypass the construction.
  • (4) The third left-turn lane for eastbound drivers on the Ringling Bridge who are planning to head north on U.S. 41 will be reinstated.
  • (5) The westbound left turn on U.S. 41 at Boulevard of the Arts will be reinstated.
  • (6) The northbound U.S. 41 right turn onto eastbound Fruitville Road will remain open throughout the construction; however, “drivers will see a slight realignment for this temporary connection,” Barwin pointed out.

“We’ve been meeting and working closely with business owners and residents, helping them to prepare,” Barwin continued. “The best course of action for us all is to plan ahead and determine alternate routes. If you’re able to carpool, use transit or ride share, you may want to consider those options now,” he added.

After the roundabout has been completed, Barwin wrote, “traffic will flow more smoothly and safely for motorists and pedestrians for generations to come. The project is on schedule to be finished in late fall 2020.”

Updates are posted at www.US41FruitvilleRoundabout.com. “You can also register [through that website] to receive announcements and alerts,” Barwin pointed out.