River Road resurfacing to begin Nov. 13

$1.8-million project expected to be completed in early 2017

A map shows the project area. Image courtesy Sarasota County
A map shows the project area. Image courtesy Sarasota County

A major resurfacing project is set to begin the evening of Nov. 13 on River Road between Interstate 75 and U.S. 41 in south Sarasota County, Sarasota County has announced.

“Most of the construction work will be done during nighttime hours (7 p.m. to 5 a.m.) to minimize impacts to traffic,” a news release says. “Motorists can expect some lane closures during those times,” the release adds. Drivers travelling to or from Englewood, Cape Haze and North Port between U.S. 41 and I-75 are encouraged to use an alternative route, such as Jacaranda Boulevard or Sumter Boulevard, during construction to minimize potential travel delays, the release points out. “Variable message signs will be placed on nearby roadways to advise drivers of the work,” the release says.

The River Road resurfacing project is expected to be complete in early 2017. It will consist of milling and resurfacing, minor shoulder work, sodding and other improvements on a 3.6-mile stretch of the roadway. The work area includes a section of River Road from just north of the U.S. 41 intersection to just south of Center Road, along with another section north of Center Road to East Venice Avenue, the release notes.

The Sarasota County Commission recently approved a $1.8-million contract with Superior Asphalt for the project, the release explains. The county has invested and committed more than $50 million toward improving River Road, a major arterial roadway that connects Interstate 75 in Sarasota County to State Road 776 in Charlotte County, the release adds.

“The upcoming resurfacing project will extend the useful life of this two-lane segment of River Road before it can eventually be widened,” said Sarasota County Public Works Director Isaac Brownman in the release. “Sarasota County recognizes River Road’s importance to the region, and we continue to work with multiple partners and stakeholders to secure the funding needed to construct and improve other segments of the roadway.”

For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net and search for keywords “River Road.”