Myrtle Street improvements between Central Avenue and North Orange underway through June 5, necessitating detours

(Editor’s note: This article was updated late on the afternoon of Feb. 7 to correct the date construction is expected to be completed. That date is June 5, not Feb. 5.)

A graphic shows the area of the Myrtle Street improvements. Image courtesy Sarasota County

Sarasota County’s construction of its Phase 2B improvements on Myrtle Street in North Sarasota began on Feb. 3, the county announced late last week.

Through Friday, June 5, Myrtle Street will be closed from Central Avenue to North Orange Avenue, a county news release explains. A detour will be in place to enable motorists to navigate through the area, the release adds. “Motorists are urged to use caution during construction,” it says.

Phase 2B entails the widening of the road, construction of sidewalks, a new signal system for the railroad crossing, and drainage improvements within the railroad’s right of way, county staff has pointed out.

As the project proceeds, local businesses, pedestrians and emergency vehicles will have access up to the Seminole Gulf Railroad crossing, the release points out. Further, Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) routes will not be affected, the release says.

The Myrtle Street improvements project is being undertaken in multiple phases, the release notes. Phase 2B is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2020, with Phase 2C anticipated to begin in the fall. The latter phase involves the segment of Myrtle between North Orange Avenue to west of U.S. 301.

The expense for Phase 2B is approximately $3 million, the release adds.

For more information, call the county Contact Center at 861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.