FDOT to begin safety upgrades at St. Armands Circle

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will begin safety enhancements along State Road 789 (S.R. 789), also known as John Ringling Boulevard, in the St. Armands area by replacing the eight existing modular speed humps with new asphalt speed tables designed to calm traffic and improve safety for residents, visitors, and nearby neighborhoods.

Work is anticipated to begin early December, weather permitting. FDOT’s contractor will conduct the operations at night to limit traffic impacts on the Circle and surrounding residential areas.

Project Timeline & Work Overview

• Early December (Night 1):
Crews will remove the eight existing modular speed humps currently in place. Over time, normal vehicle wear caused pavement distress beneath these humps. Crews will resurface those small areas to create a smooth, even roadway surface. New asphalt speed tables will then be placed as part of the same nighttime operation.

• 10-Day Cure Period:
The newly placed asphalt will cure for approximately 10 days to ensure proper strength and long-term performance before permanent pavement markings can be applied. During this period, the roadway will be open to traffic, and no new construction work will occur other than maintaining temporary markings.

• Mid-December (Night 2):
After the curing period, crews will return to install final thermoplastic pavement markings and remove the temporary markings.

• Overall Duration:
The full process will take approximately 12 or more days, weather permitting, including one night of construction, a 10-day curing period, and one night for final striping. Very cold temperatures or rain may delay asphalt placement.

Traffic Impacts

Nighttime lane closures will be in place from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Travelers should use caution in the work zone and allow extra time when passing through the area.
FDOT encourages drivers to check FL511.com before heading out for real-time traffic conditions and construction updates.

Emphasis on Safety

The project is part of FDOT’s ongoing commitment to improving safety along high-use corridors.

“These new asphalt speed tables will help slow vehicles and create a more comfortable and predictable environment for everyone traveling through the St. Armands area,” said John Kubler, FDOT District One’s Director of Transportation Operations. “Safety is always our top priority, and performing this work at night helps us deliver these improvements while minimizing disruption to residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Additional Information

All work will occur within FDOT’s right-of-way along S.R. 789. Construction schedules are subject to change based on weather and field conditions.

For more information about FDOT projects in Southwest Florida, visit www.fdot.gov.

###

SWFLRoads.com | X: @MyFDOT_SWFL | Facebook: @MyFDOTSWFL

The Florida Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities.