3.8-mile undertaking scheduled to be completed late this year
Social media chatter this week indicated a lack of public awareness about a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) initiative that has begun on Clark Road (State Road 72). It will stretch from U.S. 41 to east of Derek Avenue.
One Nextdoor post, for example, inquired, “Anyone know what is going on with the Road Closure Lanes on Clark Road?” The writer added, “Lots of traffic from Stickney Point Rd. [east].”
Another person, posting about 5 p.m., wrote, “I am sure that this will not surprise anyone. A terrible backup is on Clark Rd., between Beneva and Lockwood Ridge. (about 4:10 pm) I turned off before I got to Lockwood Ridge. Does anyone know what happened? I noticed several drivers using the middle lane, surrounded by Bob’s Barricades. Two cars almost collided when they both decided to enter the middle lane at the same time. It may get much worse before they finish work on Clark Rd. Everyone, be safe out there.”
A woman responded that a “T-bone” accident had occurred at the intersection of Lockwood Ridge Road and Clark Road. However, in replying to the woman, the first writer added, “Clark has always had problems, but it’s much worse now.”
A third person wrote, “Those barrels don’t help.”
FDOT’s RoadWatch Report for the period of Sept. 27 through Oct. 3 explained that FDOT would begin “milling and resurfacing Clark Road/S.R. 72 from U.S. 41/S.R. 45 to East of Derek Avenue in late summer.”
The “Notice to Proceed,” which gives the contractor FDOT’s authority to start a project, was issued on April 27, as shown in the agency’s Five Year Work Program for District One, which includes Sarasota County. The relevant chart says that work actually began on Aug. 9. The contractor has 450 days to complete the project, that chart adds.
The $14.8-million undertaking was to have begun in the middle of this year, according to an FDOT project sheet.
The initiative has been included in the RoadWatch reports since at least early August, The Sarasota News Leader learned from a search of those documents.
RoadWatch noted that the plans “include median modifications, lighting, signalization, drainage, curb and gutter and sidewalk improvements within the project limits.” Among other features of the undertaking will be the creation of “a mid-block pedestrian crossing to enhance pedestrian safety.”
The state also agency pointed out, “The project spans just over 3.83 miles with an estimated completion [in] late 2027.”
The notice featured the following other details:
- Motorists can expect a new traffic pattern on Clark Road from Swift Road to Sawyer Road that will close the center lanes.
- “Motorists can expect nighttime lane closures/lane shifts throughout the project limits.
- “Motorists may experience uneven lanes within the project limits during construction.
- “Pedestrians may experience detours while sidewalks are under construction.”
- Speed limits will be reduced to 35 mph.
The RoadWatch notice concluded, “Please watch for workers and use caution when navigating an active construction zone.”