FDOT, city prepare for U.S. 41 roundabout construction

“Roundabout” has been a buzzword for nearly a decade in Sarasota, a point of emphasis that has produced plans to build three of the traffic features on U.S. 41 by 2020.

In November, the Florida Department of Transportation will embark on Sarasota’s largest roundabout project to date, breaking ground on a pair of two-lane roundabouts on U.S. 41 at 10th and 14th streets.

On Tuesday, FDOT hosted a workshop to prepare residents for construction. During the anticipated 29-month build-out, the state says traffic through the intersection will remain open, typically with four lanes. The project will maintain access to businesses in the area, as well. (See box, left, for details on the traffic plans.)

But, given the scale of the construction, FDOT doesn’t want to downplay the project’s impact.

“Construction, in and of itself, is an inconvenience,” FDOT spokesman Robin Stublen said. “Some things more than others. This is going to be one of those ‘more than others.’ ”

The city anticipates work on a third roundabout at U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road could begin as early as spring. In conjunction with the nearby 15-acre Quay project, a private developer agreed to advance funding for that roundabout as part of a deal with the city. The developer hopes to finish the roundabout in 12 to 15 months.

A design for that roundabout hasn’t yet been finalized. City officials said a public meeting is tentatively scheduled for later this month to gather feedback on the Fruitville roundabout. That information will guide the final plans for the project as the developer coordinates with FDOT, City Engineer Alex DavisShaw said. So will the existing plans for 10th and 14th streets, in hopes of creating a smooth traffic pattern between each intersection.

These two-lane roundabouts will be the first of their kind in the city, but DavisShaw thinks the growing popularity of roundabouts in the region has prepared residents for a new traffic configuration.

“People are beginning to get used to looking for what you’re supposed to look for,” DavisShaw said.

Still, she also thinks it’s important for the city to hold informational sessions before the roundabouts open to ensure motorists feel more comfortable navigating the roadway.

Keeping residents informed is a priority while construction is going on, too. The city and FDOT will be in regular contact while the project is being built, allowing the public to stay abreast of any planned lane closures, new traffic configurations or other developments.

Adjusting to the roundabout may be tough, and dealing with construction even tougher, but officials are working to ensure the community can keep track of the changes in store along U.S. 41.

“We want to make sure we have good communications,” DavisShaw said.