Two New Roundabouts Planned on U.S. 41 in South Venice at Wellen Park
West Villages Improvement District and Wellen Park are leading an improvement project for US 41 between Preto Boulevard and West Villages Parkway.
The planned improvements are being funded by Wellen Park. There is no fee or cost impact to homeowners for the initial planning, design, permitting and construction of the planned improvements.
The planned improvements will reduce the speed of traffic and enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists along a US 41 in an area that is growing rapidly with new residential and commercial construction. Reduced speed will also help mitigate noise impacts associated with US 41 traffic.
Construction timeframe: early June 2022 to June 2023
The improvements will be completed in two phases to add sidewalk pathways, curbs, landscaping and functional traffic roundabouts. Extensive planning has been done to ensure there will be minimal traffic impacts.
Public Information Open House
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
6-9 PM
Wellen Park Welcome Center, 12275 Mercado Drive, Venice
RSVPs requested online or 941-244-2805.
Construction Highlights:
- During construction, the four existing lanes will be temporarily reduced to two lanes, creating a single lane of traffic in each direction.
- The roundabouts will be built in sections and traffic will be redirected accordingly.
- To ensure safety, the speed limit will be reduced to 45 miles per hour throughout the work zone.
Phase 1
A roundabout will be created at Wellen Park Boulevard, the main entrance of Downtown Wellen located between Preto Boulevard and West Villages Parkway. Additionally, extensive landscaping and sidewalks will be added along the roadway.
Traffic Updates: Construction during Phase 1 will reduce traffic from two lanes to one lane in each direction. Traffic will be redirected to southbound lanes to allow the northbound work to be completed. Then, traffic will be redirected to northbound lanes to allow the southbound work to be completed. A traffic signal at Preto Boulevard and US 41 has already been installed and is currently operational, which will help manage traffic flows during the construction period.
Phase 2
Phase 2 is scheduled to begin one to two months after Phase 1, with construction planned immediately east of the State College of Florida campus entrance on US 41 to Tortuga Cay Drive. During Phase 2, a second roundabout will be created at Mezzo Drive.
Traffic Updates: Traffic will be redirected to southbound lanes to allow the northbound work to be completed. Then, traffic will be redirected to northbound lanes to allow the southbound work to be completed.
SPEED REDUCTION: Upon completion of Phases 1 & 2, the speed limit will be set at 45 miles per hour along US 41 from Mezzo Drive to Preto Boulevard to maximize motorist, pedestrian and cyclist safety.
More information will be shared prior to construction starting about Phase 2.
FAQs
What are these improvements going to cost me as a homeowner?
Nothing. There is no fee or cost impact to homeowners for the initial planning, design, permitting and construction of the planned improvements.
What is the purpose of the US 41 improvements?
The West Villages Improvement District and Wellen Park are working to enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists along US 41 in an area that is growing rapidly with new residential and commercial construction. In addition to the added curbs, landscaping and functional traffic roundabouts, reduced speed limits will also help mitigate roadway noise.
How long is construction expected to last during the project?
Construction will begin early June 2022 and will be completed in phases. Phase 1 and 2 are expected to be completed by mid-2023.
Will there be any road closures during construction?
Extensive planning has been done to ensure there will be minimal traffic impacts. Lanes will be reduced with a 45 miles per hour speed limit throughout the work zone and roundabouts will be built in sections with traffic being redirected accordingly. While initial plans do not include any planned road closures, our team will be continuously monitoring traffic impacts and adjust plans, as needed.
Will there be any permanent traffic changes following construction?
Upon completion of Phases 1 and 2, the speed limit will be set at 45 miles per hour along US 41 from Mezzo Drive to Preto Boulevard to maximize motorist, pedestrian and cyclist safety. Reduced speed will also help mitigate noise impacts associated with US 41 traffic.
How can I stay informed of project updates?
Project updates will be posted on this webpage periodically.
Learn more here: https://westvillagesid.org/us41improvementproject/