Removal of train tracks on part of Segment 2 of Legacy Trail North Extension expected to begin July 19

Affected area near intersection of Clark Road and Sawyer Loop Road

An aerial map shows the intersection of Clark Road and Sawyer Loop Road. Image from Google Maps

As construction continues on the North Extension of The Legacy Trail, from Culverhouse Nature Park on Palmer Ranch to Payne Park in downtown Sarasota, county staff is advising the public to be aware that more work on Segment 2 will get underway beginning Monday, July 19.

The county’s Capital Projects Department’s Construction — One Week Look Ahead document for July 12-18 references the intersection of Clark Road and Sawyer Loop Road, noting that, on July 12, crews planned to start installing “variable message boards notifying motorists of the upcoming Legacy Trail construction.”

Then the document announces the upcoming schedule of events:

  • Monday, July 19: The westbound outside lane will be closed for the demolition and removal of train tracks with full depth asphalt restoration.
  • Thursday, July 22: Both westbound inside lanes will be closed for the completion of demolition and removal of train tracks and full depth asphalt restoration.
  • Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 26-28: The westbound outside lanes will be closed for the demolition, removal and replacement of curbs and sidewalk.
  • Monday, Aug. 2: Shifting to the east side, outside lanes will be closed for the demolition and removal of train tracks and full depth asphalt restoration
  • Thursday, Aug. 5: Both eastbound inside lanes will be closed for the demolition and removal of train tracks and full depth asphalt restoration
  • Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 8-11: The eastbound outside lane will be closed for the demolition, removal and replacement of curbs and sidewalk.
  • Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 16-18: Both the east and westbound inside lanes will be closed for curb demolition and replacement.

Completion of all that work is expected in late summer, the document pointed out.

This graphic shows the three segments of the North Extension of The Legacy Trail. Image courtesy Sarasota County

On July 8, during a Facebook Live event, Nicole Rissler, director of the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, noted that part of Segment 2 — north from Culverhouse Nature Park to Sawyer Loop Road — is open. She added that she anticipated the remainder of Segment 2 would be completed “in the next month or so.”

Segment 1 of the North Extension, from Proctor Road to Bahia Vista Street, opened late last week, following Tropical Storm Elsa’s passage along the coastline. Segment 3 — from Bahia Vista Street to Payne Park — should be finished in early 2022, Rissler pointed out.