River Road Widening From US 41 to 1-75 in Venice, Groundbreaking is Friday
The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a brief ceremony on Friday, April 22, 2022 to celebrate the beginning of major improvements to traffic flow, safety and drainage along River Road (State Road 777).
The event from 10:30-11:30 a.m. marks the culmination of decades of planning for this 5-mile corridor by state and local leaders.
A two-lane, undivided roadway, River Road is a main connector for commuters, visitors and truck drivers traveling between Interstate 75, US 41, State Road 776 and natural destinations in the area. The road is used heavily by those in Northport, Englewood and increasing developments. River Road also is an evacuation route for Englewood, North Port and Venice.
FDOT is widening River Road to six lanes between US 41 and Center Road, and to four lanes between Center Road and I-75. To enhance safety, work includes installing raised, grassed medians, streetlights and a 10-foot-wide shared use path on both sides of the roadway.
Location: The event will be held at the terminus of River Road east of the I-75 interchange (see map), near 3001 SR 777, Venice, FL 34292.
Description: Area leaders will discuss the history and importance of this project of regional significance.
Additional Project Information: The corridor also provides access to Jelks Preserve, Blue Heron Park and other natural areas. This $47.5 million design-build project includes two wildlife crossings in the form of culverts under the road that will allow animals to pass safely under traffic. The wildlife crossings will be located north of Tempest Harbor Loop and north of Stoneycreek Boulevard.
Construction began on February 7, 2022 and is scheduled to finish in early 2025.
Photo: FDOT