FDOT presented their current concept for the design of these overpasses to county commissioners at their December 13 meeting. The plans are expected to be complete by the end of 2022, with construction to begin in the Fall of 2023. Both overpass projects are expected to be completed by November 2024.

Some noteworthy information from the meeting:

• The overpasses will be 12 feet wide and use the same construction method as used for the Laurel Rd. overpass. This type of construction uses reinforced earth on the approaches to the mid-span. Click here for details of this method.
• The design of the Clark Rd. overpass is influenced by the need for compatibility with a future project to straighten the McIntosh Road intersection at Clark Road. There is currently no funding for straightening the McIntosh intersection, so it is unlikely this project will start any time soon.
• When the McIntosh Road intersection is straightened, it will be necessary for trail users to cross McIntosh immediately after (or before) crossing the overpass. One conceptual plan suggested by Spencer Anderson, Sarasota County Public Works Director, would be to slightly raise McIntosh Road and have the trail go under it (see conceptual images in gallery above).