Figured I would start a thread for my home area of Southwest Florida and post any road news related articles here for those interested in that part of the state.
The eastern section of Estero Parkway officially opened to traffic this morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The last section of the east-west arterial included a bridge over Interstate 75, the first such overpass constructed along the section of interstate between Tampa and Naples since the 1980's. With this route now open, it should help alleviate traffic on the parallel arterials of Corkscrew Road (to the south) and Alico Road (to the north).
http://www.news-press.com/article/20091023/NEWS0108/91023009/1075 (http://www.news-press.com/article/20091023/NEWS0108/91023009/1075)
The expansion project (known as IROX) going on along Interstate 75 between the Golden Gate Parkway interchange (Exit 105) and Florida 884 (Colonial Boulevard - Exit 136) in Fort Myers will be completed by April 2010, authorities say, with some portions opening up to six lanes of traffic by the holidays. The project was originally suppose to continue northward to the Florida 80 interchange (Palm Beach Boulevard - Exit 138), but the trimmed budgets shortened the project. Stimulus funds however have been allocated for the remaining section and construction could start next year.
30 miles of BGSs to replace because they won't retrofit them to go on overheads. :-(
I thought I-75 was already 6-laned from Naples to Fort Myers.
No, it was only four-laned until this project. Given the tremendous growth in the area though, it should have been upgraded in the 1990's. Traffic even then between Fort Myers and Naples was terrible at best. A 30-minute commute would sometimes take at least an hour, given on the conditions (i.e. traffic congestion, accident, etc.)
Saw on FDOT that they are finally widening the SR 951 bridge to Marco Island. I was under the impression that it was going to be a toll bridge.
Quote from: jdb1234 on February 08, 2010, 08:03:19 PM
Saw on FDOT that they are finally widening the SR 951 bridge to Marco Island. I was under the impression that it was going to be a toll bridge.
Just sent off an email to find out the answer, though I think it will not be. Once I have a positive answer I will post it here!
Found out today that indeed the SR 951 bridge to Marco Island will not be tolled once the second span is completed.
It's surprising the state didn't widen it before they turned it over.
Yeah I am a little surprised by that as well. I am also surprised it has taken this long to even get the second span. I would have thought that there would have been a second span built to aid in hurricane evacuations many years ago.
Quote from: flaroadgeek on February 14, 2010, 12:15:01 AM
Yeah I am a little surprised by that as well. I am also surprised it has taken this long to even get the second span. I would have thought that there would have been a second span built to aid in hurricane evacuations many years ago.
Same here, the bridge has been a bottleneck for several years now. When I was down there during the summer of '08 there was talk of the new span being a toll project. I am familiar with Marco Island, my grandparents have lived there for many years.
About a month old (the road opened on October 21), but we took a ride on this today.
Long-awaited Metro Parkway Extension to open Sunday (http://www.news-press.com/article/20121019/NEWS0117/121019022/Long-awaited-Metro-Parkway-Extension-open-Sunday)
QuoteThe new six-lane roadway from Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway to U.S. 41 has been a work in progress for the past three years, breaking ground in August of 2009. Trouble with a contractor caused a several-months delay in 2011.
Originally, the $30 million road extension was scheduled to be completed by February this year. Original contractor Posen Construction was fired in May 2011 for violations of its contract, including failing to meet construction deadlines and delaying its payment of subcontractors.
Work resumed last October after the hiring of contractor C.W. Roberts.
QuoteThe three-mile-long extension will, for the first few months at least, be a nonstop, 45-mph limit roadway with only one access point, at Briarcliff Road.
Cella said a traffic study will be made early in 2013 to determine if a light is needed at Briarcliff.
==
There are no signs posted for SR 739 southbound after Six Mile Cypress Parkway, but there are three shields northbound on the same stretch. Metro Parkway carries six overall lanes except for four from the Alico Road underpass to U.S. 41. There is no access from U.S. 41 south to SR 739 north.
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-739_nb_metro_pkwy_ext.jpg) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-739_nb_metro_pkwy_ext.jpg)
The third northbound shield.
For some reason or another, the traffic light at SR 739 and Six Mile Cypress Parkway was in flash mode today. Made for a dicey scenario when crossing since the busier east-west road was the one set with the red, stop cycle.
Potential conversion of I-75 - Exit 213 from a standard diamond to a DDI.
Manatee officials push University Parkway interchange expansion (http://www.bradenton.com/2013/07/22/4620673/manatee-officials-oush-university.html)
QuoteOfficials Monday sought a shorter timeline for the widening and reconstruction of the University Parkway interchange at Interstate 75, as they wait to hear whether the region will win the right to host the World Rowing Championship in 2017.
The project would span 3.5 miles north of Fruitville Road to north of University Parkway...
QuoteLast spring, engineers recommended a "diverging diamond" structure for the interchange, but no money was available for its construction.
"We're going to do the ultimate interchange for University Parkway," FDOT project engineer Kevin Ingle told the MPO at the time.
Construction pics on SR 951 - SR 84 concurrency between Davis Rd (84 west) and I-75 (84 east)
Looks like FDOT is fancying triple lefts in this area, adding them at multiple points in this area.
Eastbound @ Intersection
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.majhost.com%2Fgallery%2Fbrickbuilder711%2FOnTheRoad%2Fnaples%2Fimg_4666.jpg&hash=946ec323e63d1f075ff371fb5a7defaebf0fca50)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.majhost.com%2Fgallery%2Fbrickbuilder711%2FOnTheRoad%2Fnaples%2Fimg_4668.jpg&hash=973524c496ba03eefd553841133e734d6cc677c1)
Turning left - I was riding shotgun so I was able to shoot looking south. Note the completed onramp.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.majhost.com%2Fgallery%2Fbrickbuilder711%2FOnTheRoad%2Fnaples%2Fimg_4669.jpg&hash=ef0bcf1005fed23c0dd446be45fc4336ce0d2c01)
NB @ I-75
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.majhost.com%2Fgallery%2Fbrickbuilder711%2FOnTheRoad%2Fnaples%2Fimg_4670.jpg&hash=fca8bbaf2ddb3c4d18dd66c3c7ad4c03e06e5f1d)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.majhost.com%2Fgallery%2Fbrickbuilder711%2FOnTheRoad%2Fnaples%2Fimg_4671.jpg&hash=9cb261e0927111c6741d5f2631ccbeae7c7ba2f5)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.majhost.com%2Fgallery%2Fbrickbuilder711%2FOnTheRoad%2Fnaples%2Fimg_4674.jpg&hash=1776983ee76b22171d4f97b415f42a097efa3966)
Has SWFL always used horizontal signals? It seems like CFL and NEFL are the few holdouts with vertical signals.
Quote from: realjd on July 31, 2013, 03:54:11 PM
Has SWFL always used horizontal signals? It seems like CFL and NEFL are the few holdouts with vertical signals.
Its always been a mix of vertical and horizontal signals. There was a long period where they were all vertical, at least until 2004. From that point forward more got horizontal, a likely result of the loss of a lot of signals from the hurricanes. They are more prevalent in Lee and Collier counties than they are in Charlotte, Sarasota, and Manatee.
A Draft EIS has been approved by the Coast Guard for a new bridge crossing Manatee River east of I-75 and Bradenton. The proposed alignment will link Upper Manatee River Road with Fort Hamer Road and provide a connection between Florida 64 and U.S. 301 near Parrish. Information on the study can be found at the Fort Hamer Bridge (http://forthamerbridge.com/index.html) website and at the U.S. Coast Guard (http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg551/CGLeadProjects.asp) website.
Originally planned as a four-lane roadway for the entire stretch, plans have been scaled back to just a two-lane road connecting U.S. 301 with Florida 64. A Final EIS must be approved before moving forth with Right-of-Way acquisition and construction.
I see the new traffic signals also have the safety yellow-outlined back plates that have been popping up in Broward County over the past few years.
Quote from: xcellntbuy on August 09, 2013, 09:36:51 AM
I see the new traffic signals also have the safety yellow-outlined back plates that have been popping up in Broward County over the past few years.
They're popping up in Orange County as well. I was wondering about them and the purpose for them. It kind of reminds me of Ontario that uses complete yellow back plates.
I believe it is the latest MUTCD that is requiring all traffic signals to have the reflective border as I have been seeing various county and city DOTs along with the state installing it on new signal or improved installions.
And in Southwest FL it is just Collier County with its dark green pole masts that are all horizontal as Lee County uses almost always wire span and Cape Coral always uses unpainted masts both all vertical.
---
Gene Janczynskyi
in Cape Coral, FL
^^ The 2009 MUTCD had introduced the reflective yellow border as an option. It is currently not required.
University Parkway interchange improvements unlikely before rowing championships (http://www.bradenton.com/2013/08/30/4689764/university-parkway-interchange.html#storylink=cpy)
QuoteIt looks more and more likely Manatee residents will have to wait until after a possible World Rowing Championship to see improvements to the interchange linking University Parkway and Interstate 75.
The heavily congested interchange is expected to see more cars thanks to the regional draw of Mall at University Town Center coming online in October 2014 and a possible World Rowing Championship in 2017 -- if the region wins the bid Monday.
QuoteThe I-75 project is in the preliminary engineering phase, which is expected to be finished in April 2016, and right-of-way acquisitions and construction remain unfunded. Construction costs were estimated at $49 million by FDOT.
State Road 64 construction delayed as businesses are impacted (http://www.bradenton.com/2013/09/08/4705458/state-road-64-construction-delayed.html)
QuoteWet weather has delayed the completion of construction along State Road 64 in east Bradenton.
The Florida Department of Transportation project begins west of Carlton Arms Boulevard and extends to the west of Interstate 75. It includes the widening of the road from four lanes to six as well as resurfacing it.
Construction was scheduled to be completed by the end of August. However, an addition of 16 holidays and 55 weather days to the construction contract has pushed back the estimated completion to late October or early November, according to FDOT spokeswoman Trudy Gerena.
Traffic concerns grow over University Parkway interchange in Manatee-Sarasota (http://www.bradenton.com/2013/10/13/4770463/traffic-concerns-grow-over-university.html)
Quote
It won't be ready in time for the opening of the adjacent University Town Center luxury mall in October 2014, and probably not even in time for the start of the 2017 World Rowing Championships coming to the still-under-construction rowing facility at Nathan Benderson Park, both of which are expected to bring thousands of additional cars to the area.
But Manatee and Sarasota officials are already expressing their concerns over the interchange, an estimated $49 million Florida Department of Transportation project that still doesn't have funding for construction and that would also require additional roadway improvements paid for by the local governments.
Quote
In a study released in May, FDOT acknowledged that when finished, the interchange will have a much higher capacity than adjoining roadways, with University Parkway being widened from six lanes to 10. The speed limit would be reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph, creating a potential bottleneck if the nearby intersections can't handle the backup
Surveys: People favor repairing Cortez Bridge over replacement (http://www.bradenton.com/2013/10/17/4776950/surveys-people-favor-repairing.html)
QuoteThe issue at a ManaSota-88 meeting Wednesday was whether the bridge, which was built to last 50 years, should be rehabilitated or replaced by either another low-level drawbridge, or a mid-level drawbridge like the one over Treasure Island or a high-level fixed bridge like Ringling Bridge in Sarasota.
Three Florida Department of Transportation officials told 10 concerned citizens in attendance the Cortez Bridge should be safe for another 10 years but a decision must be been made its future.
QuoteReed also shared results of public surveys on the Cortez Bridge taken at two venues. A total of 168 bridge surveys were returned from the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Feb. 16-17 with 55 percent voting for rehabilitation over replacement, Reed said. Another 36 percent voted for
replacement over rehabilitation and, of those, 34 percent voted for a high-level fixed bridge, 33 percent voted for a low-level drawbridge and 24 percent voted for a mid-level drawbridge.
At a public kickoff meeting April 30, 848 surveys were returned and rehabilitation was preferred again, 51 percent to 43 percent, Reed said.
FDOT lists $18.5M in improvements for East Manatee (http://www.bradenton.com/2013/12/06/4872352/fdot-lists-185m-in-improvements.html)
QuoteFor 2014-15, FDOT has allocated funds for the following projects:
- $960,000 to add lanes at the I-75 and University Parkway interchange
- $100,000 for improvements at the I-75/State Road 64 interchange
- $960,000 to add lanes at the I-75/State Road 70 interchange
- $433,763 for intersection improvement at SR 64 and 66th Street Court East
- $666,421 for intersection improvement on SR 70 from Sixth Street East to Ninth Street East
- $286,016 for intersection improvement at U.S. 301 and 25th Drive East.
QuoteFDOT has also set aside $430,000 to add lanes at the interchange of I-75 and U.S. 301, a project slated for 2016-17. Nearly $12 million has also been set aside for resurfacing on stretches of SR 70.
Raising Sunshine Skyway Bridge could accommodate jumbo cruise ships (http://www.bradenton.com/2013/12/05/4870132/raising-sunshine-skyway-bridge.html)
QuoteRaising the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, or building a new port west of it to accommodate cruise ships too large to fit under it now are among the possibilities addressed in a "pre-feasibility" study of Tampa Bay ports.
The $151,488 study of ports in Manatee County, St. Petersburg and Tampa will be finished by the end of the year, according to Robin Stublen, spokesman for the Florida Department of Transportation.
Quote"A majority of the new cruise ships being constructed today and in the future will not fit under the Skyway Bridge," Stublin emailed to the Herald. "Given the economic impact from the cruise business on the region, the (FDOT) wants to look into possibilities for mitigating possible future negative impacts on the loss of this cruise business in the region, including whether constructing a new terminal outside of the Skyway Bridge, or perhaps even raising the bridge, should be considered."
Bridges have been raised to accommodate ships, but it is a costly and time-consuming process. The road bed of Bayonne Bridge in New York, for instance, is being raised 63 feet to 215 feet in a $743.3 million project started several years ago.
FDOT seeks solution to traffic increase on Green Bridge (http://www.bradenton.com/2014/03/28/5071959/fdot-seeks-solution-to-traffic.html?sp=/99/179/186/)
QuoteHow to accomplish that in a downtown area isn't easy. But Nandam said FDOT does have a preliminary design concept, and it could tie into a project already planned for the 2017-18 fiscal year in the same area.
Reducing the thru lanes to 10 feet wide and partially removing some of the medians could create enough space for the proposed turn lanes, while maintaining all existing lanes, he said.
FDOT typically projects work well into the future to take into account both planning and funding issues. Nandam said the estimated cost would be about $600,000, but would include redoing much of the asphalt on Ninth Street West in the downtown area.
Nandam said it would take about a year to design and find funding for the proposal, so the best option is to tie it into the existing project.
Short article explaining the methodology of the construction of the I-75 Caloosahatchee River bridge in Fort Myers.
I-75 bridge-building method completely over the top (http://www.news-press.com/article/20140408/NEWS01/304080022/I-75-bridge-building-method-completely-over-top)
QuoteThe 32-foot-tall cranes represent key pieces of equipment for the final phase of a $72 million, interstate-widening project that broke ground in January 2013 and is scheduled to finish by the fall of 2015.
The bridge is the final segment of the construction job that will complete the expansion of I-75 to six lanes in Lee County.
The "top-down" approach being used for this bridge expansion project was driven by environmental protection concerns, according to Debbie Tower, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Transportation, and the project engineer, Steve Coker.
Top-down construction is not a new practice, Coker said.
The cranes are controlled by a GPS unit on the bridge and have one set of tires on the west span and another on the east span.
Cortez Bridge (SR 684) to undergo multi-million dollar repairs (http://www.bradenton.com/2014/04/20/5112108/cortez-bridge-to-undergo-multi.html?sp=/99/179/186/)
QuoteThe Cortez Bridge is at the center of a multi-million dollar repair project set to begin April 28 and expected to be completed by early 2015.
According to an informational leaflet by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Cortez Bridge, built in 1956, sits in a naturally corrosive saltwater environment, prompting the need for routine maintenance and minor repairs.
QuoteThe repairs, which are expected to extend the life of the bridge for another 10 years, will focus on a laundry list of areas: repairing concrete beams, the sea wall, and the steel on the movable span portion of the bridge. Bollas said there are plans to also upgrade the bridge's electric system, which includes lighting and the power for the bridge tender house.
S.R. 64 stretch timed for fewer stops (http://www.bradenton.com/2014/05/01/5130652/sr-64-stretch-timed-for-fewer.html?sp=/99/179/186/)
QuoteSix traffic signals installed along a newly widened section of State Road 64 East will use updated timing, cameras and sensors to determine how traffic will flow along the six-lane arterial.
Under the best conditions, commuters will be able to drive between Interstate 75 and Carlton Arms Boulevard without having to stop for a single red light.
QuoteOfficials with the Florida Department of Transportation and Manatee County say the new lights will speed S.R. 64 traffic and better serve traffic on side streets and in turn lanes.
Trudy Gerena, a spokeswoman who liaisons between Better Roads and the Florida Department of Transportation, said the sensing system will be able to determine whether traffic on S.R. 64 or on crossroads needs a green light depending on traffic volumes and wait times.
QuoteStublen acknowledged lights in the construction zone have not functioned ideally during construction. At one point, an FDOT crew was dispatched to deal with a turn signal that allowed traffic to flow for just three seconds.
He said he doesn't expect anything like that to happen once the lights are under FDOT control. Under the right conditions, the 2.5-mile stretch of road will allow traffic to flow without restrictions.
Plans call for the addition of an auxiliary lane per direction of I-75 both north and south of Exit 217 and the removal of the north I-75 to west SR 70 loop ramp to eliminate weaving traffic.
Widening, interchange reconstruction, planned along I-75 in Manatee County (http://www.bradenton.com/2014/09/15/5360413/widening-interchange-reconstruction.html?rh=1)
Quotehe Florida Department of Transportation is planning to widen approximately 6.8 miles of Interstate 75 from north of University Parkway to south of State Road 64, officials said Monday.
Plans also call for reconstruction of the I-75 interchange at State Road 70 in Manatee County, one of eight interchanges FDOT is re-designing for future improvements in Manatee and Sarasota counties, according to an FDOT newsletter.
FDOT study looks at roundabouts for State Road 64 in East Manatee (http://www.bradenton.com/2014/09/20/5368496/fdot-study-looks-at-roundabouts.html?sp=/99/179/186/)
QuoteThe Florida Department of Transportation is studying the feasibility of installing roundabouts on State Road 64 East at its intersections with Rye Road and Lorraine Road as a way of slowing traffic.
"We are studying them and we have not made a determination at this time," Robin Stublen, a spokesman for the FDOT, said this week.
Manatee County Public Works Director Ron Schulhofer requested that FDOT conduct a traffic-signal study on July 28.
In response, FDOT determined that a signal was warranted at Rye Road, but that a right-turn lane would eliminate 80 percent of the problems there with the addition of a signal, Stublen said.
FDOT looks at possibility of third bridge between Bradenton and Palmetto (http://www.bradenton.com/2014/09/25/5378185_fdot-looks-at-possibility-of-third.html?sp=/99/100/&rh=1)
QuoteFDOT and the MPO have partnered to expand an earlier $3 million study of the main roads in central Manatee, including arteries connecting Bradenton and Palmetto that in recent years have become increasingly congested.
Because of a lot of public comment about the need to build a third bridge -- in addition to the Green and DeSoto bridges -- to alleviate congestion, Tankersley said, "FDOT wants to put this to rest once and for all," to see if it is even possible. If not, he said, FDOT will also look at the possibility of widening the existing bridges.
The study area runs from 17th Street West in Palmetto south to 17th Avenue West in Bradenton; and from 26th Street West in Bradenton east to the Braden River.
QuoteThe expanded study is expected to be concluded by December.
Sarasota County wants roundabout at U.S. 41 and University Parkway (http://www.bradenton.com/2014/11/18/5482431/sarasota-county-wants-roundabout.html?sp=/99/179/186/)
QuoteMotorists traveling along U.S. 41 may have to travel around a new roundabout proposed to be built at the intersection of U.S. 41 and University Parkway, right at the entrance of the Ringling Museum of Art.
If approved, this roundabout would join at least two other roundabouts being constructed along U.S. 41 in Sarasota. The two other roundabouts will be at 10th Street and U.S. 41, and 14th Street and U.S. 41. At these intersections, U.S. 41 will be widened to include bike lanes, dedicated turn lanes, a 10-foot sidewalk along the west side and a 6-foot sidewalk along the east side. The construction phase, which is funded, is scheduled for 2017.
Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2014/11/18/5482431/sarasota-county-wants-roundabout.html?sp=/99/179/186/#storylink=cpy
A lot's gone on in Bradenton since I was spending a lot of time there in the '80s and '90s.
Cross State Highway: The Florida highway that never was (http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/amy-williams/2014/12/13/new-paper-explores-highway-never/20100467/)
The Cross State Highway was a once proposed coast-to-coast route during the 1920's that would have connected the southwest Florida coast with the southeast coast via the inland towns of Arcadia and La Belle. This proposal rivaled that of the Tamiami Trail at the time but never came to fruition due to financial and political plays that backed the building of the Trail instead.
Quote from: flaroads on December 14, 2014, 09:26:12 PM
Cross State Highway: The Florida highway that never was (http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/amy-williams/2014/12/13/new-paper-explores-highway-never/20100467/)
I'm a little confused. The 1920 Blue Book (http://books.google.com/books?id=_Qc7AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA65) (bottom of page) says the Cross State Highway went from Fort Myers to Palm Beach, in other words SR 80. I've seen the Cross State Highway name on SR 80 on maps. Perhaps Arcadia-Bermont-LaBelle was a proposed cutoff.
Quote from: NE2 on December 14, 2014, 09:44:20 PM
Quote from: flaroads on December 14, 2014, 09:26:12 PM
Cross State Highway: The Florida highway that never was (http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/amy-williams/2014/12/13/new-paper-explores-highway-never/20100467/)
I'm a little confused. The 1920 Blue Book (http://books.google.com/books?id=_Qc7AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA65) (bottom of page) says the Cross State Highway went from Fort Myers to Palm Beach, in other words SR 80. I've seen the Cross State Highway name on SR 80 on maps. Perhaps Arcadia-Bermont-LaBelle was a proposed cutoff.
Or the route between West Palm Beach and Fort Myers (SR 80) was given that name designation after the original proposal was nixed. That description does mention Tamiami Trail, which would mean that that portion of the book was rewritten sometime after 1928, the completion year of the Trail.
Quote from: flaroads on December 14, 2014, 10:12:58 PM
That description does mention Tamiami Trail, which would mean that that portion of the book was rewritten sometime after 1928, the completion year of the Trail.
Actually no. Page 26: "The Tamiami highway, now being built...will be completed in 1921". Of course this didn't actually happen as planned.
Quote from: NE2 on December 14, 2014, 10:27:42 PM
Quote from: flaroads on December 14, 2014, 10:12:58 PM
That description does mention Tamiami Trail, which would mean that that portion of the book was rewritten sometime after 1928, the completion year of the Trail.
Actually no. Page 26: "The Tamiami highway, now being built...will be completed in 1921". Of course this didn't actually happen as planned.
It took me a minute, but I found to where you were referring on Page 36, not 26. The only reason I was thinking it that was because what was written on Page 65 made it seem that the Tamiami Trail already fully connected Miami and Tampa. Oh well.
I-75, airport connector project close to opening (http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2014/12/25/airport-connector-project-close-opening/20890349/)
QuoteThe final link in the $54.1 million Interstate 75 Airport Direct Connect project should open in February, allowing freeway traffic to funnel in and out of Southwest Florida International Airport for the first time without touching surface streets.
The project that began in the fall of 2012 is just about complete, said Jennifer Dorning, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Transportation.
"The spring target date for completion is still on track," she said.
Quote"We're also expecting this new corridor to develop into a strategic freight connection between I-75 and the airport," Dorning said.
Quote from: GCrites80s on November 21, 2014, 05:49:00 PM
A lot's gone on in Bradenton since I was spending a lot of time there in the '80s and '90s.
Roger that. I lived in Sarasota County from 1968 until 1993. The plans to widen County Line Rd, - I mean University Parkway - to TEN lanes blows my mind. I believe that it was in 1990 or '91 when they widened it from two to four lanes. I remember when there was no University Parkway east of I-75. Then again, I can remember when there was no I-75 and no University Parkway, period.
Quote from: Fred Defender on December 26, 2014, 09:50:09 PM
The plans to widen County Line Rd, - I mean University Parkway - to TEN lanes blows my mind.
Ten lanes? That is beyond mind-blowing for a surface road (even a little impressive for an interstate, that is unless you're me and you've been used to the interstates in Atlanta your whole life :bigass: ). Does University Parkway really need that many lanes? But of course, it's not like they don't have any room to do the mega widening :sombrero: https://www.google.com/maps/@27.3888981,-82.5174002,3a,75y,142.15h,86.37t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1syOOzXDeX2FPvVxUnvLEpag!2e0
Quote from: flaroads on December 26, 2014, 09:06:38 AM
I-75, airport connector project close to opening (http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2014/12/25/airport-connector-project-close-opening/20890349/)
Heh, it does looks like the airport could use a limited-access connection to I-75.
Quote from: adventurernumber1 on December 26, 2014, 11:04:54 PM
Does University Parkway really need that many lanes?
In the vicinity of I-75 it does, especially with all the commercial development, retail power centers and the new regional mall that just opened in October.
Quote from: adventurernumber1 on December 26, 2014, 11:04:54 PM
But of course, it's not like they don't have any room to do the mega widening
Of course there would be room to widen University Parkway. Its called Right-of-Way taking. :nod: Actually, there are a few portions along University Parkway that could easily accommodate a 10-lane arterial without having to take any ROW. Just knock out the tree-lined median and replace the existing drainage ditches with reinforced concrete pipe and outlets.
Quote from: adventurernumber1 on December 26, 2014, 11:04:54 PM
Heh, it does looks like the airport could use a limited-access connection to I-75.
That airport could have used a direct freeway connection a long time ago. I'm just curious if the connection will have a "hidden" state route designation or if FDOT is handing all of it over to Lee County. It would be nice if it at least had a county road designation.
Quote from: flaroads on December 27, 2014, 09:16:21 AM
Quote from: adventurernumber1 on December 26, 2014, 11:04:54 PM
Heh, it does looks like the airport could use a limited-access connection to I-75.
That airport could have used a direct freeway connection a long time ago. I'm just curious if the connection will have a "hidden" state route designation or if FDOT is handing all of it over to Lee County. It would be nice if it at least had a county road designation.
Considering SR 210 got added, and the extension of two legs for SR 436 into MCO property, they should add a designation to this since it serves the airport. If they go for hidden, SR 93B would be nice ;)
These new overhead signs were installed on SR 84 near the intersection with Collier Blvd (CR 951) east of Naples. It's also the first instance of any sign in the area acknowledging the small portion of Collier Blvd between SR 84 and I-75 that's under state maintenance. I-75 exit signs and off-ramps sign the entire road as CR 951.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FflNcDj6.jpg&hash=b5562d55319993bac9f1ca62ef274b88664eede2)
Quote from: emory on January 30, 2015, 05:12:20 AM
These new overhead signs were installed on SR 84 near the intersection with Collier Blvd (CR 951) east of Naples. It's also the first instance of any sign in the area acknowledging the small portion of Collier Blvd between SR 84 and I-75 that's under state maintenance. I-75 exit signs and off-ramps sign the entire road as CR 951.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FflNcDj6.jpg&hash=b5562d55319993bac9f1ca62ef274b88664eede2)
Very nice picture. Thank you for sharing. This is indeed the first time I've seen a SR 951 route marker north of US 41. Good find!
Manatee County commissioners to vote on $32.7 million contract for Fort Hamer Bridge construction (http://www.bradenton.com/2015/02/21/5647617_manatee-commission-to-vote-on.html?rh=1)
QuoteManatee County staff has recommended that the lowest bidder for construction of the proposed Fort Hamer Bridge be selected.
Johnson Brothers Corp. submitted a bid of $32,690,155.48 with a 630 calendar days for completion, which was the lowest of the seven bids submitted to the county earlier this month.
QuoteThe bridge will span the Manatee River connecting two roads: Upper Manatee River Road on the south side and Fort Hamer Road on the north. When completed, the bridge will create a north-south alternative to Interstate 75 and provide a more-direct route for Parrish residents to go to Lakewood Ranch. Construction is expected to begin in March.
Maybe some locals can tell me what they're doing/have done to I-75 in Sarasota County. It has been at least two years since I've been to my old stomping grounds (I lived in Sarasota County 1968-1993). The last time I drove it, there was some major construction taking place near Venice. I trust that they were adding lanes from the original four. But it looked like there was some complete realignment being done.
Quote from: Fred Defender on February 23, 2015, 09:00:30 AM
Maybe some locals can tell me what they're doing/have done to I-75 in Sarasota County. It has been at least two years since I've been to my old stomping grounds (I lived in Sarasota County 1968-1993). The last time I drove it, there was some major construction taking place near Venice. I trust that they were adding lanes from the original four. But it looked like there was some complete realignment being done.
Yeah, I-75 was widened to six lanes between SR 681 and River Road (Exit 191) by summer 2012. Part of the widening project involved realigning a portion of the southbound lanes slightly eastward near the Laurel Road interchange for the expansion of a local road (Honore Avenue). FDOT relinquished some of I-75's westerly Right-of-Way to Sarasota County so they could push the Honore Avenue extension through to meet Laurel Road without having to acquire any additional ROW. The new road is going to use the two bridges north of Exit 195 that once carried southbound I-75 traffic, so that will also save the county some money. The Honore Avenue extension is slated to open later this year.
Currently the next six-lane expansion of I-75 is occurring between River Road and Sumter Boulevard (Exit 182) and is to be completed by 2017.
Quote from: Alex on February 21, 2015, 10:55:04 AM
Manatee County commissioners to vote on $32.7 million contract for Fort Hamer Bridge construction (http://www.bradenton.com/2015/02/21/5647617_manatee-commission-to-vote-on.html?rh=1)
QuoteManatee County staff has recommended that the lowest bidder for construction of the proposed Fort Hamer Bridge be selected.
Johnson Brothers Corp. submitted a bid of $32,690,155.48 with a 630 calendar days for completion, which was the lowest of the seven bids submitted to the county earlier this month.
QuoteThe bridge will span the Manatee River connecting two roads: Upper Manatee River Road on the south side and Fort Hamer Road on the north. When completed, the bridge will create a north-south alternative to Interstate 75 and provide a more-direct route for Parrish residents to go to Lakewood Ranch. Construction is expected to begin in March.
Wow that's huge. All those snowbirds that bought those ranches along Upper Manatee River Rd. road in the '80s when it was super sleepy would be raging out now.
Progress continuing on the realignment of State Road 739 (Metro Parkway) in Fort Myers:
Metro to Evans project a chance to ease traffic (http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2015/03/24/tinkering-metro-evans-chance-ease-traffic/70393032/)
The US 41 bridges in Palmetto at the intersection with US 301 will be closed for about 3 weeks (http://www.bradenton.com/2015/07/01/5877593_north-southbound-us-41-bridges.html). US 41 traffic will be re-routed to the on-off ramps while they raise the bridges.
Of course, the graphic posted with the article is erroneous since 301 is concurrent with 41 south of the intersection.
Diverging diamond interchange set to begin August 3 at I-75 and University Boulevard. (http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2015/7/23/traffic_university_b.html)
Construction is set to last until September 2017.
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-064_wb_at_us-041b.jpg) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-064_wb_at_us-041b.jpg)
Brand new (to me at least) overhead signs posted on Florida 64 west at U.S. 41 Business in Downtown Bradenton.
It must be as I do not remember it when I was there two Summers ago. Anyway, I am glad they assembled this, as the old one, I believe was not as elaborate.
Definitely brand new. I drove that stretch about a week or 2 ago and it was definitely not there.
It's interesting on how the control points are positioned on top.
Transportation planners seek new bridge across Manatee River in Bradenton (http://www.bradenton.com/2015/07/27/5914139_transportation-planners-seek-new.html?rh=1)
QuoteA four-lane bridge over the Manatee River, expansion of Interstate 75 to 10 lanes and widening of Fort Hamer Road are among Manatee County's roadway needs.
The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization approved the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan Needs Plan on Monday.
QuoteThe new bridge would be east of the existing DeSoto Bridge, connecting U.S. 301 in Ellenton to Bradenton. Other roadway improvements in the Manatee plan include some in the Parrish area, such as Moccasin Wallow Road and Fort Hamer Road, where a lot of growth is occurring. Construction on the Fort Hamer Bridge is under way, which will connect Parrish with Lakewood Ranch.
QuoteAlso on Monday, the MPO heard a presentation from the Florida Department of Transportation about a project development and environment study for a 4.5-mile stretch of 15th Street East/U.S. 301 Boulevard East from Tallevast Road to U.S. 41.
QuoteRoundabouts at the major intersections are also being evaluated.
I went down to a seminar (for work) in North Naples today via I-75 and noted a couple of construction items:
Initial prep work for the August 3rd start of the DDI at University Parkway (Exit 213) was going on (surveying and construction sign placement)
Not too much going on with the next six-lane upgrading between River Road (Exit 191) and Sumter Boulevard (Exit 182). The wide median portions are now lakes with the rains from the last two weeks, so I'm sure this will slow down progression. Same scenario goes for the six-laning in southern Charlotte County (between Exit 158 and the Lee County line).
Construction on the Caloosahatchee River bridges is nearing completion. The southbound lanes are currently shifted over to the new portion of the span and sound walls are being formed between the south end and the ramp to State Road 80 (Palm Beach Boulevard). Northbound lanes however have not shifted over. When complete later this fall both spans will carry a total of eight lanes (four each span).
Another section of Interstate 75 to be widened (http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2015/07/30/officials-tout-construction-project--75/30916705/)
QuoteThe project will widen 3.5 miles of the highway from exit 101 to exit 105. Construction will be completed in 2017.
Quote from: flaroads on July 31, 2015, 07:02:24 AM
Another section of Interstate 75 to be widened (http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2015/07/30/officials-tout-construction-project--75/30916705/)
QuoteThe project will widen 3.5 miles of the highway from exit 101 to exit 105. Construction will be completed in 2017.
It's about time!
Widening of U.S. 301 to mark another step in transformation of Parrish (http://www.bradenton.com/2015/07/31/5919168_widening-of-us-301-to-mark-another.html?rh=1)
QuoteThe real work to widen 1.2 miles of U.S. 301 North from County Road 675 to Moccasin Wallow Road won't start until Sept. 8.
But construction workers have already been prepping the road's shoulders for weeks to get ready for the $6.9 million project, which will take about a year to finish.
QuoteThe new segment of U.S. 301 will be four-laned with a median, sidewalks and streetlights.
QuoteThe widening is in anticipation of more traffic on U.S. 301, especially when the Fort Hamer Bridge opens in early 2017.
QuoteThe widening of U.S. 301 will benefit Neal's Villages of Amazon South project and several other projects planned for Moccasin Wallow.
New traffic signal to be installed in Parrish (http://www.bradenton.com/2015/08/14/5942398_new-traffic-signal-to-be-installed.html?rh=1)
QuotePARRISH -- With the Fort Hamer Bridge under construction and traffic in Parrish already increased, Manatee County is looking for a company to install a traffic signal.
QuoteIn addition to installing the traffic signal, other intersection improvements at U.S. 301 and Fort Hamer Road are planned, including installing closed circuit televisions, pedestrian signals and steel mast arms on three poles and the traffic signals, according to the invitation for bid.
The $4.45 million intersection project includes the light and improvements already completed, according to Sage Kamiya, deputy director of traffic management.
"The entire intersection project, realignment, turn lanes and the connector roadway have increased roadway capacity, enhanced safety and provided needed access onto U.S. 301," Kamiya said.
The project has a seven-month construction duration and is expected to be completed by early fall 2016, Kamiya said. Fort Hamer Bridge is expected to be completed by early 2017.
Before traffic signals can be installed, Kamiya said the intersection must meet federal criteria. Since the intersection is a state roadway, it also must meet state requirements.
Work officially begins on I-75 diverging diamond exit (http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20150902/ARTICLE/150909944/2416/NEWS?Title=Work-officially-begins-on-I-75-diverging-diamond-exit)
QuoteUntil last year it was barely on anyone's radar and seemed perhaps decades from completion, but on Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott joined top officials from Sarasota and Manatee counties to celebrate construction starting on a unique transportation project designed to reduce traffic congestion along the University Parkway corridor.
The new "diverging diamond" interchange at University and Interstate 75 will be the first in Florida and the largest in the nation.
University Parkway will have combined total of 12 travel lanes through the interchange alone...
QuoteWork on the interchange started a month ago but state and local officials held the official ground-breaking ceremony on Wednesday.
QuoteScott presided over the event, touting the diverging diamond as "a big project for this part of the state" and a first for Florida.
"It will be fun to watch how it works," the governor said.
Yep, should be fun watching to see who decides to make that right turn and travel against the flow of traffic.
Update on Fort Hammer Bridge construction (with some pictures). (http://www.bradenton.com/2015/09/20/6000372_fort-hamer-bridge-takes-on-new.html)
QuotePARRISH -- It's beginning to look a lot like a bridge.
Since breaking ground on the Fort Hamer Bridge project in March, construction crews have poured three sets of piers and the end bent, or northern terminus, and placed the first five horizontal I-beams.
Venice U.S. 41 Bypass widening set to begin (http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20151016/ARTICLE/151019729/2416/NEWS?Title=Venice-U-S-41-Bypass-widening-set-to-begin-)
QuoteThe widening of U.S. 41 Bypass – one of the most heavily traveled roadways in Venice – is set to begin in early November, just as tens of thousands seasonal residents return for winter.
Brilliant planning.
QuoteThe project, estimated at roughly $70 million, will be done in stages.
Construction on the 2.3-mile first stage, from Bird Bay Drive to Gulf Coast Boulevard, is set to begin in early November and is expected to finish in the spring of 2018. Construction costs for that phase is $16.6 million. Design and right of way costs were another $17.9 million.
QuoteMoney has not yet been budgeted for the next phase of the project, widening the bypass from Gulf Coast Boulevard to Center Road. Construction is anticipated to begin on that section in 2019.
The final four lane stretch of Interstate 75 in southwest Florida is being widened to six lanes. Construction commenced January 4, 2016 to add a travel lane in each direction between Exit 167 (Harborview Road) and Exit 181 (Sumter Boulevard) (http://i75onthego.com/from_harborviewrd_to_sumterboulevard.html), a total of 15.6 miles. When complete at the end of 2017, I-75 will be six or more lanes throughout southwest Florida, from Exit 101 (CR 951) in Collier County northward. The Collier County project (http://i75onthego.com/sr951_six_lane_project.html) should be completed by early 2017.
Quote from: flaroads on January 12, 2016, 10:30:24 AM
The final four lane stretch of Interstate 75 in southwest Florida is being widened to six lanes. Construction commenced January 4, 2016 to add a travel lane in each direction between Exit 167 (Harborview Road) and Exit 181 (Sumter Boulevard) (http://i75onthego.com/from_harborviewrd_to_sumterboulevard.html), a total of 15.6 miles. When complete at the end of 2017, I-75 will be six or more lanes throughout southwest Florida, from Exit 101 (CR 951) in Collier County northward. The Collier County project (http://i75onthego.com/sr951_six_lane_project.html) should be completed by early 2017.
After those are done the only remaining section that is still 4 lanes is the short section by Punta Gorda between US 17 and N Jones Loop Rd (CR 768).
SM-N920T
Quote from: FLRoadsGuy on February 02, 2016, 03:25:12 PM
After those are done the only remaining section that is still 4 lanes is the short section by Punta Gorda between US 17 and N Jones Loop Rd (CR 768).
Yeah, I did neglect that piece of I-75 as still being four lanes when I originally wrote my post! From what I have seen there is nothing on the books, planned, shelved or otherwise.
Tuckers Grade to Jones Loop will also remain four lanes with drainage improvements: http://www.i75onthego.com/lee_charlotte_county_line_to_north_jones_loop.html
Quote from: NE2 on February 02, 2016, 06:40:38 PM
Tuckers Grade to Jones Loop will also remain four lanes with drainage improvements: http://www.i75onthego.com/lee_charlotte_county_line_to_north_jones_loop.html
Actually this section of I-75 was widened to six overall lanes between September 2011 and April 2013. I had to use archive.org to find the link: https://web.archive.org/web/20140601231656/http://www.i75onthego.com/homeTuckers.html (https://web.archive.org/web/20140601231656/http://www.i75onthego.com/homeTuckers.html)
Been down here for a few days, anything interesting to see in the Naples-Ft. Myers area?
Quote from: jdb1234 on June 12, 2016, 06:31:48 PM
Been down here for a few days, anything interesting to see in the Naples-Ft. Myers area?
Flyovers in place of left turn lanes at Gladiolus and Summerlin come to mind.
(https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/florida800/cr-869_nb_at_cr-865.jpg)
How much longer are you going to be there?
Quote from: jdb1234 on June 12, 2016, 06:31:48 PM
Been down here for a few days, anything interesting to see in the Naples-Ft. Myers area?
As Alex mentioned and showed, there are those flyovers, and further to the south on Summerlin is a single point urban interchange with San Carlos Boulevard. Plus if you hadn't checked it out, the Airport Direct connect between I-75 and Southwest Florida International.
Also Colonial Boulevard (CR 884) has a SPUI at U.S. 41 (Cleveland Avenue) and a half diamond at McGregor Boulevard. Then crossing over the Midpoint Memorial bridge on CR 884 into Cape Coral there is one other SPUI at Del Prado Boulevard.
The only thing in the Naples area road wise that I can think of is the SPUI between Golden Gate Parkway and Airport-Pulling Road (CR 31).
Unfortunately though there are no more old road signs in the area.
Quote from: Alex on June 12, 2016, 07:30:26 PM
Quote from: jdb1234 on June 12, 2016, 06:31:48 PM
Been down here for a few days, anything interesting to see in the Naples-Ft. Myers area?
Flyovers in place of left turn lanes at Gladiolus and Summerlin come to mind.
(https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/florida800/cr-869_nb_at_cr-865.jpg)
How much longer are you going to be there?
Had planned to check out Ft. Myers and that was on my to see list. I have been on Marco Island since Thursday and will head back home this Thursday.
Quote from: flaroads on June 12, 2016, 09:23:11 PM
Quote from: jdb1234 on June 12, 2016, 06:31:48 PM
Been down here for a few days, anything interesting to see in the Naples-Ft. Myers area?
As Alex mentioned and showed, there are those flyovers, and further to the south on Summerlin is a single point urban interchange with San Carlos Boulevard. Plus if you hadn't checked it out, the Airport Direct connect between I-75 and Southwest Florida International.
Also Colonial Boulevard (CR 884) has a SPUI at U.S. 41 (Cleveland Avenue) and a half diamond at McGregor Boulevard. Then crossing over the Midpoint Memorial bridge on CR 884 into Cape Coral there is one other SPUI at Del Prado Boulevard.
The only thing in the Naples area road wise that I can think of is the SPUI between Golden Gate Parkway and Airport-Pulling Road (CR 31).
Unfortunately though there are no more old road signs in the area.
Very familiar with the interchanges on Colonial Blvd in Fort Myers. Have visited a dinner theater at Colonial and McGregor several times. Haven't been up Airport-Pulling Road in a long time, but I do remember them building the interchange at Golden Gate Parkway.
On another note: the sprawl on CR 951 between I-75 and US 41 is tremendous. I remember when there wasn't much of anything there.
Will probably post about my trip on the road trips page at some point.
A little late maybe, but the funky orange 41 that used to be posted on Rattlesnake Hammock Road:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi244.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg36%2Fjcm9572%2FKodachrome%2520and%2520Keys%2F2008_0101_094537.jpg&hash=b45e056278a8422ad0c06521547f1dfa4aed033a)
Is now, from what I've been told, in the Collier County Museum. I haven't been there to confirm.
CFI's planned for SR 82 in Lee County.
State Road 82 could have cure for left turn delays (http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2016/08/21/state-road-82-could-have-cure-left-turn-delays/88943550/)
QuoteThe continuous flow intersection is being recommended for the reconstruction of S.R. 82, a plan that will widen the two-lane road to six lanes through much of Lee County, and then four lanes into Hendry and Collier counties. Fatal accidents on the road have brought calls for it to be widened. County and state highway officials have worked to get the reconstruction, which begins in a few months, to the top of the list of area road projects.
The S.R. 82 version of the continuous flow interchange would be the first in Florida.
Engineers have included the new design at the intersection of SR 82 with Gunnery Road and Daniels Parkway in Lehigh Acres. Gunnery turns into Daniels on the south side of SR 82. About 35,500 vehicles moved through the intersection in January, according to Lee County transportation counts.
I'll bump this topic having been in SW Florida for a few days.
I arrived in SW Florida Tuesday after some issues forced me to sleep in my car and aborting an overnight stay in Jacksonville. Here are a few notes:
I-75 is very busy in the Naples-Fort Myers area. I remember when there was not much down here.
I have heard there are plan to widen I-75 through Punta Gorda. If so, that would mean that I-75 would be 6-lanes in Florida with the exception of Alligator Alley.
Exit 111 is now signed for North Naples instead of Naples Park.
Speed Limits seem to be a suggestion on Collier Blvd between I-75 and the bridge to Marco Island.
Excluding Everglades Parkway, this will complete the six-laning of I-75 statewide.
State moves forward with plans to widen Charlotte County interstate (http://www.fox4now.com/news/local-news/state-moves-forward-with-plans-to-widen-charlotte-co-highway)
QuoteCHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla.–Construction will state soon in Charlotte County, as the state moves forward with plans to add new lanes to part of the interstate.
The four-mile stretch from Jones Loop Road to U.S. 17, in Charlotte County, is the only four-lane section of I-75 that is left between Alligator Alley and the Florida-Georgia border.
The state plans to expand the highway to 6-lanes in that area.
The $29 million project will start at the end of the month and construction is expected to take a year and a half.
FDOT planning to add six new roundabouts in Manatee County (http://www.mysuncoast.com/news/local/fdot-planning-to-add-six-new-roundabouts-in-manatee-county/article_30d27ef0-bce7-11e7-8ff3-ff2d7966f375.html)
Quote
BRADENTON, FL (WWSB) - The Florida Department of Transportation is getting ready to start several construction projects in Manatee County. It's looking to add five roundabouts along 15th Street East from Tallevast Road to U.S. 41, and plans to add another roundabout at 15th Street's intersection with Martin Luther King Junior Avenue.
FDOT considered adding new left turn lanes on Martin Luther King Junior Avenue onto 15th Street but found adding a roundabout would "best meet the needs of the intersection." Construction is set to begin in March, with a projected completion date of January 2019.
More Sarasota area roundabouts:
Contract awarded for upgrades to Sarasota's Highway 41 (https://www.equipmentworld.com/contract-awarded-for-upgrades-to-sarasotas-highway-41/)
QuoteIBT of Miami won a $12.6 million contract to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety on U.S. Highway 41 in Sarasota, Florida.
The work is part of the Downtown-Bayfront Connection project planned by the Florida Department of Transportation and the city of Sarasota. The goal of the project is to reconnect the downtown and Bayfront with a focus on pedestrians. The project will involve sidewalks, bike lanes, pavement markings and landscaping improvements between 10th Street and 14th Street.
The project is expected to be completed in 2020. It would also involve removing traffic lights along U.S. 41 at 10th and 14th streets and replacing them with roundabouts. The goal is to slow traffic through the high-speed area and make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as revive downtown Sarasota. The half-mile section of highway will be widened to add sidewalks and bike lanes.
Quote from: Alex on November 28, 2017, 08:23:00 AM
Excluding Everglades Parkway, this will complete the six-laning of I-75 statewide.
State moves forward with plans to widen Charlotte County interstate (http://www.fox4now.com/news/local-news/state-moves-forward-with-plans-to-widen-charlotte-co-highway)
Since I believe I-75 is six lanes all the way through Georgia, that'll make it six lanes going north all the way to the far side of Chattanooga.
Quote from: Finrod on November 28, 2017, 01:15:40 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 28, 2017, 08:23:00 AM
Excluding Everglades Parkway, this will complete the six-laning of I-75 statewide.
State moves forward with plans to widen Charlotte County interstate (http://www.fox4now.com/news/local-news/state-moves-forward-with-plans-to-widen-charlotte-co-highway)
Since I believe I-75 is six lanes all the way through Georgia, that'll make it six lanes going north all the way to the far side of Chattanooga.
There are still some four-lane sections of I-75 in Florida, with construction to add lanes slowly slogging along (I believe FDOT has a lot of make-work projects on the books, dragging out simple two-year projects into four- and five-year jobs).
Bruce, back in Blacksburg from a trip to Apollo Beach
Quote from: VTGoose on November 28, 2017, 01:19:02 PM
Quote from: Finrod on November 28, 2017, 01:15:40 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 28, 2017, 08:23:00 AM
Excluding Everglades Parkway, this will complete the six-laning of I-75 statewide.
State moves forward with plans to widen Charlotte County interstate (http://www.fox4now.com/news/local-news/state-moves-forward-with-plans-to-widen-charlotte-co-highway)
Since I believe I-75 is six lanes all the way through Georgia, that'll make it six lanes going north all the way to the far side of Chattanooga.
There are still some four-lane sections of I-75 in Florida, with construction to add lanes slowly slogging along (I believe FDOT has a lot of make-work projects on the books, dragging out simple two-year projects into four- and five-year jobs).
Bruce, back in Blacksburg from a trip to Apollo Beach
All other remaining 4-lane sections are currently under construction for six lanes. This includes a conversion of the exit for US 98/SR 50 in Hernando to a DDI and the redesign of the wye interchange with Florida's Turnpike in Sumter.
The Charlotte County widening north of Punta Gorda was completed earlier this year.
Noticed that the FDOT GIS files for state roads was recently updated to show SR 777 along River Road in Sarasota County from US 41 at North Port to I-75. The attribute data lists it at 5.84 miles.
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-777-map.jpg) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-777-map.jpg)
Checked the Florida Straight Line Diagrams and the entry for SR 777 (Roadway ID 17000064) (https://fdotewp1.dot.state.fl.us/slogis/blank.aspx?docId=107425) was revised on August 19, 2020. The net roadway length is 5.819 miles, which extends to the turnaround north of I-75 (where a rest area entrance was located at one point).
Drove SR 777/River Road yesterday, and the route is not signed. Nor is it acknowledged yet on guide signs along Interstate 75 southbound.
Edit - Went ahead and created a page with the photos on AARoads (https://www.aaroads.com/guides/fl-777/).
Will be checking on subsequent trips to Southwest Florida and will post when I see SR 777 marked.