SARASOTA, Fla. -- The intersection of Orange Ave. and Ringling Blvd. is closed as of Tuesday, November 28, 2017 for 6-months as improvements to transform the signalized intersection into a single-lane roundabout begin.
Detours will be available via State St., Lemon Ave. and Pineapple Ave. Nearby businesses will remain open for the duration of the project.
The traffic signal at Orange Ave. and Ringling Blvd will be replaced with a new, one-lane roundabout, which will improve traffic flow as well as driver and pedestrian safety. The project also allows for infrastructure upgrades like a new water line, additional lighting for the road and sidewalk and landscaping improvements.
Since 2010, several one-lane roundabouts have been constructed downtown including at Five Points, along Ringling Blvd. and most recently at Orange Ave. and Main St., promoting a safer, more efficient and environmentally-friendly mobility structure.
The Florida Department of Transportation provided $881,000 in grant funding for the project. Construction of the roundabout is expected to be completed in May of 2018.
