New signals set for intersection at Lakewood Ranch Prep

The traffic on White Eagle Boulevard in front of Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy should be a bit frenzied Aug. 10 when the new school opens for its opening day.

The school, which will host almost 2,000 students once the high school building is completed, currently has 740 students enrolled.

Manatee County and the school combined in efforts to make that traffic a bit easier to negotiate with traffic signals operational at the White Eagle Boulevard and Crossland Trail intersection just to the south of the school.

That signal, as of Aug. 9, still was using flashers only, but contractors were working to get it fully operation for opening day.

Ogden Clark, the strategic affairs manager for the Manatee County Public Works Department, said the county's Traffic Management Center staff was working to finalize the programing for the school zone's flashing beacons. Once complete, that staff will share the beacon's timing with the contractor so the program can begin.

Motorists should use extra caution when driving through that area until it is evident the traffic signals are fully functional.

Although a light has been planned for that intersection, the project was fast-tracked when the school announced it would be able to completely build the school in seven months and have it open for the new school year.

“I think the project is a perfect example of how a public-private partnership can help maximize the resources available while trying to achieve a common goal,” said Chad Butzow, the director of the public works department. “The agreement we put together with the Lakewood Ranch Charter School allowed us to get the project underway sooner and completed in time for school to begin.”

Manatee County covered 60% of the cost while Lakewood Ranch Charter School covered the other 40%.

The overall project cost is $1.1 million and will be paid through impact fees.

The plan included the design and construction to signalize the intersection, provide extensions of turn lanes in the various directions and add overhead school zone signs.

An operational analysis was performed by the county to determine the school's proportionate share.

The county informed the Bridgewater community, which has access to the east side of the intersection, that the signal will enhance safety coming in and out of the community.