by Roger Normand

Artists rendering of future bridge over Laurel Road

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) held its final public hearing on October 30th at the Sandra Sims Terry Community Center in Nokomis before beginning construction of a Legacy Trail overpass at Laurel Road. Sarasota County recently completed relocation of major utility lines within the construction footprint. Construction of the overpass will begin by the FDOT contractor Denson Construction, Inc., to build a temporary, safe detour route for trail users. Right of way issues caused FDOT to move the detour route from the previously planned east side to the west side of the trail. The current plan calls for trail users to cross Laurel Road at a new traffic signal to be installed at the intersection of Laurel Road and Forest Street. FLT has expressed some safety concerns about the nearly mile long trail detour to FDOT. We will publish a map of the final detour route on the FLT web site.

The overpass will be about 90 feet long and provide a 12 foot wide multi-use bicycle/pedestrian pathway. Motorists should expect overnight lane closures or detours along Laurel Road. The existing Legacy Trail will remain open via the detour throughout the expected 225 days of construction.

Once completed, trail users and motorist will both greatly appreciate the $2 million overpass to safely expedite traffic across this increasingly heavy traveled intersection.

For questions, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at (941) 861-5000.