March 7-8 overnight construction detour announced for I-75 between Bee Ridge and Clark roads

Crews to install overhead truss across southbound lanes

This October 2021 graphic shows the design of the Clark Road diverging diamond. Image courtesy FDOT
This is the legend for the above map. Image courtesy FDOT

From midnight on Thursday, March 7, to 2 a.m. on Friday, March 8, construction crews will close Interstate 75 southbound between Bee Ridge Road (Exit 207) and Clark Road (Exit 205) to install an overhead truss across the southbound lanes, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced.

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, the advisory explains.

“Motorists should expect delays and are urged to exercise caution and follow posted detour signage in the work zone,” FDOT 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.

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.