Portion of U.S. 41 to close for Wallenda wirewalk

U.S. 41 between Ringling Boulevard and the John Ringling Causeway in downtown Sarasota will be temporarily closed Tuesday, while Sarasota native and performer Nik Wallenda hirewire “skywalks” over the highway from the bayfront to Marina Tower without wearing a safety harness.

The closure is expected to occur from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., with the event scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Traffic will remain open to and from St. Armands Circle and the barrier islands.

Traffic congestion is expected from 9 a.m. to noon. Road closure signs will be posted and motorists should follow the detour signs.

Click here to see a map of road closures and detours.

Due to a public safety perimeter, public parking near the bayfront will be limited. Spectators are encouraged to walk to the event or park their vehicles in the Palm Ave. Garage. A free trolley also will shuttle spectators roundtrip from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, to the event, with a drop-off at the intersection of Cocoanut Avenue and Gulfstream Avenue. The trolley will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The City Commission unanimously approved Wallenda’s skywalk without a tether during its last regular meeting this past Tuesday, providing Wallenda receives approval from the Florida Department of Transportation which oversees U.S. 41, and offers a statement indemnifying the City of Sarasota. The Commission also waived the special event permits for the skywalk totaling approximately $6,000 to $8,000.
Circus Sarasota is a sponsor of Wallenda’s Sarasota Skywalk. It is investing $15,000 in production costs for the event as a way to contribute to the world famous circus legacy in the Sarasota community.