One lane closed on U.S. 41 between Bee Ridge and Siesta Drive

Drainage improvements on U.S. 41 between Versailles Street and Bee Ridge Road are necessitating a lane closure as of Friday, Feb. 17, the Florida Department of Transportation has announced.

The contractor charged with installing a median along that section of the highway will have to keep the outside southbound lane on U.S. 41 closed until the drainage work is complete, according to FDOT officials. Weather permitting, the closure is not anticipated to last more than one week.

All lane closures for the project have been scheduled between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., to create the least disruption possible for traffic, according to FDOT.

Motorists are advised to use caution while in the area and to expect possible delays.

Along with the construction of the median, this project includes the widening of the roadway within the existing right-of-way, the extension of the left-hand turn lanes for traffic trying to access Bee Ridge Road and Siesta Drive from U.S. 41, improved pedestrian crossing features and overhead signage. Other lane closures are not expected until this spring.

The initial work on the project began Jan. 10. The primary work is expected to be completed by the end of April, well before renovations begin June 5 on the north Siesta bridge, FDOT officials have said.

The contractor is Cone & Graham Inc.

Anyone with questions about the project may contact Brian Bollas, the public information officer, at 800-396-7273.