Staffing issues necessitated change in plans
The closure of the southbound lanes on Interstate 75 between Bee Ridge Road (Exit 207) and Clark Road (Exit 205), originally planned from midnight March 7 to 2 a.m. March 8, has been rescheduled for the same time period from March 14 to March 15, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced.
In response to a Sarasota News Leader inquiry, Patricia Pichette, a communications specialist at FDOT’s District One office, reported in a March 6 email, “The reason for the delay was temporary staff scheduling problems. These issues have since been resolved.”
As in its news release last week, FDOT explained that the closure of the lanes will be necessary to install an overhead truss across the southbound lanes.
Motorists are advised to follow the posted detour route: Exit I-75 southbound at Bee Ridge Road (Exit 207); continue on Bee Ridge Road to Honore Avenue; turn left onto Honore Avenue; and then turn left onto Clark Road, eastbound, to reach I-75 southbound.
“Motorists should expect delays and are urged to exercise caution and follow posted detour signage in the work zone,” the FDOT advisory says.
To stay informed and to sign up for construction alerts and view improvement plans, visit https://www.swflroads.com/project/201277-3, FDOT advises the public.
As the News Leader reported last week, a contractor working for FDOT has been constructing an eight-lane divided diverging diamond interchange from Clark Road to I-75 in Sarasota. The $52.6-million endeavor is scheduled to be completed by the middle of this year, according to the project webpage.
The proposed improvements include reconstruction of all on and off ramps in both the northbound and southbound directions, along with the addition of an auxiliary lane on I-75 northbound from Clark Road to Bee Ridge Road, plus the widening of I-75 southbound from Proctor Road to Clark Road, FDOT has noted in its weekly transportation project updates for Sarasota County.
Further, the project webpages say, new mast arms will be installed for the existing signal at Catamaran Drive, while a new signal will be erected at Queensbury Boulevard. Noise barrier walls, buffered bike lanes and sidewalks along both sides of Clark Road are among other details of the plans, which include the resurfacing of the existing pavement.
“Follow up on Twitter at @MyFDOT_SWFL, or facebook.com/MyFDOTSWFL for updates on current road closures,” FDOT points out.