Price Boulevard Widening Project goes out to bid for construction

Price Boulevard Widening Project goes out to bid for construction

Published on September 03, 2024

NORTH PORT, FL - The long-anticipated Price Boulevard Widening Project in the City of North Port went out to bid for construction on Tuesday. This milestone marks a significant step in improving one of the city's key roadways and evacuation routes. The project covers a 2.75-mile stretch from east of Sumter Boulevard to west of Toledo Blade Boulevard, aiming to enhance safety, improve traffic flow and increase the road's resilience to future storms.

The scope of work includes expanding the roadway from two to five lanes, which includes a continuous center turn lane; adding multi-use paths on each side of the road; installing a new closed drainage system; and improving intersections along the corridor.

Bids for construction will be accepted for the next 60 days, after which time a contractor will be selected according to the City's purchasing guidelines. A construction contract will be presented to the City Commission for approval this winter. Construction is expected to begin in early 2025 and take 24-36 months to complete.

Voters approved a referendum in 2022 to borrow up to $80 million in bonds payable with Sarasota County penny sales tax funds to widen the road. The imminent need became clearer after significant weather events, including Hurricane Ian in 2022 and subsequent heavy rainfalls that impacted Price Boulevard. In October 2022, a section of Price required emergency repairs due to damage caused by over 5.5 inches of rain in just two hours.

"This project is a crucial step in addressing the growing needs of our community," Department of Public Works Director Chuck Speake said. "The widening of Price Boulevard will not only ease congestion but also make the road more resilient to future weather events, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for our residents."

The design phase of the project was completed in early 2024 to incorporate lessons learned from Hurricane Ian. Since then, City staff have been finalizing the permitting, developing documentation for the bond with our outside financial advisors and securing additional state funding to help pay for the project.

The City has been actively engaging with residents throughout the planning process, most recently hosting an open house on July 20, 2024, which 87 residents attended. Property owners along Price Boulevard will also be required to sign temporary construction easement and right-of-entry forms to facilitate the construction process and ensure that their properties properly tie into the new road.

The City is committed to keeping residents informed throughout construction. For more information or updates on the Price Boulevard Widening Project, visit NorthPortFL.gov/Price. Residents can also call the dedicated project voicemail box at 941-240-6960 or email [email protected].

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