Prep work underway for resurfacing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way

Repaving to begin on May 23 and take about a week, with two-way traffic maintained

An aerial map shows Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way between U.S. 301 and Central Avenue. Image from Google Maps
An aerial map shows Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way between U.S. 301 and Central Avenue. Image from Google Maps

Prep work for the resurfacing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way between U.S. 301 and Central Avenue began today, May 17, and is expected to be finished by the end of the month, weather permitting, the City of Sarasota has announced.

First, the street is being milled, a news release says. Crews began at Central Avenue and will head east to U.S. 301 and then turn around and return to Central Avenue, the release adds. The actual resurfacing is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 23, and take at least one week to complete, the release points out.

Two-way traffic will be maintained with one lane open intermittently, the release points out. “Flag people will be on site to assist with traffic control,” it says. “To reduce potential traffic congestion, residents are encouraged to use alternative routes during the resurfacing project.”

This project is part of the annual citywide repaving program, the release notes. This year, approximately 14 miles of streets will be resurfaced, the release adds. The timing of the resurfacing of Dr. MLK Jr. Way was coordinated to coincide with the conclusion of the Dr. MLK Jr. Way Streetscape improvement project, the release explains.

“The streetscape is a significant community investment with new bulb outs, trees and vegetation, brick pavers and angled on-street parking” along Dr. MLK Jr. Way, the release explains. “Where possible, the sidewalks were widened to promote a more enjoyable pedestrian experience,” the release adds.