Main St.-Palm Ave. Intersection Temporarily Closes Sept. 9-25

The Main Street – Palm Avenue intersection in downtown Sarasota will be temporarily closed September 9 - 25 while crews install brick paver crosswalks at the intersection as part of a summer downtown improvement project.  The City Commission directed staff to temporarily close the intersection in September and complete the work prior to seasonal residents and tourists returning to the area.  Click here to view a map of the suggested detour route.

“We understand this will be an inconvenience,” said Richard Winder, downtown improvement projects manager.  “We’re striving to keep it to a minimum by doing the improvements all at once and out of season.  Once the brick crosswalks are installed, in addition to the other new pavers in the area, downtown Sarasota will be that much more attractive and inviting for visitors.”

City staff notified nearby business owners and residents about the pending temporary closure.

The City is collaborating with the Downtown Improvement District to make $1.8 million in improvements at various locations stretching from Gulfstream Avenue to Five Points and up to Goodrich Avenue.  In addition to the brick crosswalks, enhancements include:  installing brick paver sidewalks from Gulfstream Avenue to the Five Points roundabout, creating wider sidewalks with parallel parking on the north side of Main Street from Gulfstream Avenue to Five Points (angled parking will remain on the south side of the street), planting additional landscaping, replacing pedestrian lightpoles, plus adding trash receptacles, and benches. 

As directed by the City Commission, a majority of the construction work will be completed during the summer, with substantial completion expected by Veterans Day.   In the meantime, the many restaurants, cafes and shops will remain open, so please continue to patronize them.

To receive email updates about the project, register online at www.SarasotaGov.com.  Also, follow the progress on Twitter @CityofSarasota.

For more information contact Richard Winder, project manager:  941-365-2200 ext. 2013.