Last planned Ringling roundabout opening delayed until spring

Citing delays caused by supply chain issues, storm recovery and construction worker evacuations from three tropical weather systems, the roundabout at Ringling Boulevard and Pine Place is expected to be complete in spring 2025, according to the city. The roundabout was scheduled to be completed in January.

Construction on the roundabout began April 29, 2024. When finished, it will mark the completion of a string of roundabouts along Ringling Boulevard including Palm Avenue, Pineapple Avenue and Orange Avenue.

The roundabout will replace a signalized, asymmetrical intersection that includes the Sarasota County Administration Center to the south of Ringling Boulevard and the U.S. Post Office to the north. By the end of 2025, the county will vacate the building as Benderson Development begins plans for a multi-use development on the site.

Features of the new roundabout include:

• Landscaped center island of the roundabout and the four adjacent corners.
• Irrigation.
• Drainage and utility adjustments.
• New and replacement light poles within project limits.
• Paver brick crosswalks at the four legs of the roundabout, truck apron and island approaches.
• In-road warning lights controlled by automatic activation bollards at the crosswalks.
• A new Sarasota County Area Transit bus stop and transit shelter designed to accommodate two busses outside of the travel lane.
• Milling and resurfacing.
• Striping and markings to match the bicycle and pedestrian enhancements to the Ringling Trail.

The project extends along Ringling Boulevard approximately 320 feet to the west and 260 feet to the east of the center of the intersection. Pine Place limits extend approximately 130 feet to the north and 110 feet to the south.