[Updated] Sr 72 Stickney Point Bridge: Traffic & Closures - What You Need To Know
Is the idyllic charm of Siesta Key being disrupted? The ongoing maintenance on the Stickney Point Bridge is causing significant delays, raising questions about accessibility and the impact on both residents and visitors.
The picturesque barrier island of Siesta Key, renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and vibrant community, is currently grappling with a persistent challenge: the ongoing improvement project on the SR 72 Stickney Point Bridge. This critical infrastructure, serving as a primary artery connecting the key to the mainland of Sarasota, Florida, is undergoing an extensive overhaul aimed at extending its service life and enhancing its operational reliability. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has undertaken this endeavor to combat the harsh realities of the coastal environment, including severe weather patterns and the relentless wear and tear from the substantial volume of both vehicular and marine traffic that traverse the bridge daily. The goal, undoubtedly, is to ensure the bridge remains a safe and dependable passage for years to come.
This project, however, has presented a significant inconvenience to the residents and visitors of Siesta Key. Lane closures on the Stickney Point Bridge have become a daily reality, leading to noticeably longer travel times both on and off the key. While the FDOT had initially aimed to conclude the work before the peak tourist season, unforeseen delays, including those caused by recent storms, have pushed the completion date into February. This extended timeline has caused frustration among locals who are already accustomed to the area's seasonal traffic swells.
The bridge, a historic girder structure in Sarasota County, Florida, stands as a vital link. Its design, while not particularly old, is noteworthy for its unique configuration: a pair of bascule spans. This design allows for the passage of marine traffic, which is essential given the area's popularity for boating and water activities. The continuous opening and closing of the bridge for marine vessels, coupled with the consistent flow of vehicles, contribute to the wear and tear that necessitates the ongoing maintenance. From 6 a.m. daily, the draw need only open on the hour and half hour. This schedule seeks to balance the needs of both motorists and boaters, but the current construction adds complexity to the equation.
In response to the congestion around the southern access to Siesta Key, the FDOT is shifting construction work on the Stickney Point Bridge to overnight hours. This adjustment is intended to minimize disruptions during the busiest times of the day, though it may still impact those traveling at night. Despite these efforts, the reality remains that those heading to and from the key must factor in additional travel time due to the lane closures.
Beyond the Stickney Point Bridge, other routes to and from Siesta Key have also faced disruptions. The John Ringling Causeway has been open for Bird Key residents with proper identification. The North and South entrances to Siesta Key, as well as St. Armands Circle, are open only to residents and business owners who can provide identification. Additionally, during times of severe weather, such as hurricanes, complete closures are implemented to ensure public safety. For instance, the North Siesta Key Bridge at Siesta Drive, and the John Ringling Causeway have been closed at times. Access to Anna Maria Island via Cortez Road and Manatee Avenue has also been shut down in both directions.
The situation has seen its ups and downs. After conducting damage assessments, the City of Sarasota has reopened the North Siesta Key Bridge. The Stickney Point Road Bridge, on the other hand, has generally remained open, providing an alternative route. As of recent reports, access to the barrier islands, including Casey Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key, was closed. The community, however, has adjusted and continues to work around these infrastructural realities.
The development of Siesta Key has been an evolutionary process, with numerous stakeholders contributing to its unique character. From the replacement of the original bridge in 1927 to the construction of the first Stickney Point Bridge in 1926, these engineering feats have paved the way for the growth the community sees today. With the continued dedication to the area, from the public works departments to the residents, the impact will be minimized and eventually become a distant memory.
The core issue remains, however: the bridge work. Despite these efforts, the inconvenience remains, and the community must navigate the resulting traffic congestion. The situation highlights the delicate balance between necessary infrastructure maintenance and the daily lives of those who call Siesta Key home.
Heres a comprehensive look at the current state of bridge access:
- Stickney Point Bridge (SR 72): Undergoing improvement project. Expect delays due to lane closures.
- John Ringling Causeway: Open to Bird Key residents with ID.
- North and South Entrances to Siesta Key & St. Armands Circle: Open to residents and business owners with ID.
- North Siesta Key Bridge: Reopened after damage assessment.
- Anna Maria Island via Cortez Road and Manatee Ave: Closed in both directions during severe weather events.
- Longboat Key: May be subject to closures during severe weather events.
Key Details:
- Bridge Type: Historic girder bridge with bascule spans.
- Drawbridge Operation: Opens on signal, except 6 AM 1/2 hour
- Giww Mile Marker: The Stickney Point bascule bridge, located on little sarasota bay, is a busy thorofare for vehicle traffic near giww mile marker 70.
