| Sarasota,
FL: With construction completed more than three weeks ahead
of schedule, the new Five Points roundabout is expected to
open to vehicular traffic tonight. Located in the heart of
downtown, where Main Street, Central Avenue  and
Pineapple Avenue converge, the roundabout was completed 23
days ahead of schedule by local contractor, Jon F. Swift.
“We’ve been cautiously optimistic throughout the
project that they would finish ahead of schedule,” said
Mary Ellen Maurer, Senior Utility Engineer, supervising the
downtown improvements. “The weather cooperated and the
crews worked hard to get done early. This is great news not
only for downtown business owners and residents but the entire
Sarasota community. Five Points is open to motorized traffic
once again,” said Ms. Maurer.
The intersection closed July 5th to build
the roundabout. During the improvement project, traffic signals
were removed, the roundabout was created, and brick pavers
were installed as well as three flag poles. Although the roundabout
and area roads will be open again to traffic, the project
is not complete. Crews will continue to work on landscape
and hardscape throughout the project area.
The opening  of
the Five Points roundabout marks the end of Phase II of the
downtown improvements this summer. Phase I focused on the
replacement of a 50-year-old waterline beneath Main Street.
During Phase III, which will start immediately and finish
before Thanksgiving, a waterline on Palm Avenue near Main
Street will be replaced; pedestrian bulb outs will be created
at Palm Avenue and Main Street; and several streets will be
repaved including Main Street from Five Points to Palm Ave.,
Palm Ave. from Main St. to the parking garage and the roundabout
intersections. There will be no lane closures during business
hours during the remainder of the improvements.
To keep up with the latest information about
the downtown improvements, visit the downtown
improvements webpage and register
to receive email updates.
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