Lorraine Road expansion project progresses

Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch has purchased a five-acre parcel at 5757 Dog Kennel Road in preparation for the extension of Lorraine Road south to Fruitville Road.

SMR’s Vice President of Planning Richard Bedford said the property will be used for storm water retention.

“It’ll be a big pond when we’re done,” he said.

The deal was finalized Sept. 25.

SMR expects to have engineering designs completed for the extension of Lorraine Road, as well as an extension of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard south to Fruitville, this fall and contracts for the projects to go out to bid in January. Construction is expected to take about one year.