The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District One previously completed a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for State Road (SR) 777 (River Road) from US 41 to I-75 in Sarasota County. Construction began on the section of SR 777 from US 41 to Center Road in February 2022 and includes widening from two lanes to six lanes. Proposed improvements for the section of SR 777 from Center Road to I-75 included widening from two lanes to four lanes.

The FDOT determined that widening SR 777 from two lanes to six lanes will meet travel demand and enhance safety along this section. To re-design this section of SR 777, federal and state regulations require a PD&E Design Change Reevaluation be completed to determine if any additional environmental impacts would result from the additional travel lanes. This Design Change Reevaluation will evaluate and document any changes in impacts to affected resources (Socioeconomic, Cultural, Natural, and Physical), as well as any new impacts to resources. Proposed improvements include: widening from two lanes to six lanes, a shared use path on both sides of SR 777, two wildlife crossings, lighting, signalization, and stormwater management facilities.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) held a public hearing for the SR 777 River Road from Center Road to I-75 Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study Reevaluation (FPID 445059-1) in Sarasota County.

Attendees participated in the NOVEMBER 21, 2024, hearing in-person and online.  Both events provided the opportunity to view the project video and provide formal comment.

In-Person Option: was held at the Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S River Road, Englewood, FL 34223.

An open house with project displays and handouts was held from 5 – 6 p.m. and project team members were available for discussion.  

A formal presentation was shown at 6 p.m. followed by a verbal comment period.

Live Online Option: This event included a livestream of the in-person presentation and the formal comment portion. A tutorial on how to leave a comment began at 5:45 p.m., with the formal presentation beginning at 6:00p. Materials will remain available for viewing on the project webpage following the hearing.

This hearing presented design changes to the preferred alternative, as well as to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, design changes and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.

Project documents are available for public viewing from October 30, 2024, to December 1,2024 at the France T. Bourn Jacaranda Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice, FL 34293 and at FDOT District One Headquarters, 801 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830. They will also be available on the project webpage.

If you were unable to attend the hearing, comments can also be provided through the project webpage, by email (Donnie.Holcomb@hdrinc.com) or mail (FDOT District One, Attn: Donald R. Holcomb, P.E., Project Manager, 801 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830). While comments about the project are accepted at any time, they must be received or postmarked by December 2, 2024 to be included in the formal hearing record. All comments are weighted equally. Questions can be answered by calling the FDOT project manager Donald Holcomb at (941) 342-2705.  

FDOT sent a notice to all property owners and tenants within at least 300 feet on either side of the project and to other public officials, regulatory agencies, organizations, and individuals interested in the project. The public hearing presented information regarding the proposed preferred alternative design changes which include improvements to widen River Road to a 6-lane divided facility from Center Road to I-75. Additional improvements include drainage, signing, pavement marking, lighting, signalization and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).