published: Friday, March 22, 2013

Widening project on schedule to finish in the fall of 2013

Staff Report

The Florida Department of Transportation reports the widening project on State Road 50 and U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont is on schedule to finish in the fall of 2013.

The contractor, Prince Contracting, began work in late October 2011 and is about 68 percent complete.

Among the finished components of the job, are the following:

-- Northbound U.S. 27 bridge

-- Both directions of traffic switched on to the completed northbound U.S.

27 bridge

-- Southbound U.S 27. bridge foundations (end of loud overnight work)

-- Side streets, sidewalks, and most driveways on the north side of SR 50 west of the U.S. 27 bridge

-- Widening of the road on the north side of SR 50 west of the U.S. 27 bridge (Bloxam Ave to Pizza Hut)

-- Both directions of SR 50 traffic switched on to the northern portion of the road (between Bloxam Avenue and Grand Highway)

-- Closed direct access to the south frontage road from SR 50

In the next three to four months, expect these following items of work:

-- Continue widening the southern portion of SR 50 east and west of U.S. 27

-- Continue widening the northern portion of SR 50 east and west of U.S. 27

-- Complete the southbound U.S. 27 bridge

-- Permanently switch both directions of traffic (north & south) onto the new U.S. 27 bridges

-- Finish the US 27 on/off ramps (both directions)

-- Complete the bulk of the signalization

-- Continue roadway lighting

-- Continue roadway signage

-- Continue drainage work (roads and ponds)

The contractor is generally working weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Matters requiring full road or lane closures will occur Sunday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Weather and other unforeseen circumstances can alter planned schedules.

The Florida Department of Transportation urges the traveling public to use caution when driving, walking or cycling around, in, or near construction zones.