The following update is an extract from a November 8, 2016 letter to the Sarasota County Commissioners from:
     Thomas A. Harmer, County Administrator
     Isaac R. Brownman, Director, and
     Carolyn M. Eastwood, Transportation Logistics & Programs Manager

ANALYSIS/NEXT STEPS:

The primary purpose of the Legacy Trail Pedestrian Bridge over Laurel Road is to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety for trail users by eliminating the crossing and constructing an overpass (bridge). The design of the bridge conflicts with four (4) Sarasota County water/wastewater utility lines, including an 18-inch force main, a 6-inch force main, a 10-inch water main, and a 30-inch water main.

Design for the relocation of the four (4) county utility lines has started.  Relocation work for the utility lines along the north side of Laurel Road is anticipated to start in January 2017 and be completed by August 2017. During the relocation effort, trail use will be maintained via a trail detour, however there may be intermittent temporary closures during portions of the work.

FDOT’s letting date for the overall project construction is expected in June 2017. During the bridge construction trail use will also be maintained via a trail detour along with some intermittent temporary closures during portions of the bridge work.