U.S. 41 Traffic Pattern Changes In Construction Zone

Motorists heading southbound on U.S. 41 will notice a change in traffic patterns as work on the $14.8 million widening project from Tower Road to Connerton Boulevard continues.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, traffic in the southbound lanes from about a quarter mile north of Gator Lane to Tower Road has now been shifted to the new lanes.

“The will allow the contractor the space necessary to construct the new medians in the center of the road,” FDOT said in a media release. “Traffic will remain in single lanes until work in the area is complete.”

Also new is the opening of the dedicated turn lanes at Gator Lane.

“The new turn lanes north and south of the signal include a dedicated right turn lane from southbound U.S. 41 to Gator Lane and an additional left turn lane from northbound U.S. 41 to Gator Lane,” the release said.

The overall project involves turning this two-lane stretch of U.S. 41 into a four-lane, divided highway complete with turn lanes and medians. It also includes the addition of a path for bikers and walkers that runs along the east side of the road. Funding for the project comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Work on the widening began in August 2009 with a planned completion in May 2011.

FDOT spokeswoman Kristen Carson said Feb. 7 that construction remains on schedule and on budget.

For more information about area construction, visit FDOT online at dot.state.fl.us.