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Sarasota News Leader August 23, 2013 Page 54 MOTORISTS URGED TO AVOID OLD BRADENTON ROAD As part of the City of Sarasota's Old Bradenton Road improvement project, a significant traffic diversion began on Aug. 8, with northbound and southbound traffic near 47th Street diverted through a semicircular area, the City of Sarasota has announced. Two-lane, two-way traffic will go around the semicircle, which has road striping and construction barricades. "Drivers are advised to be vigilant and follow the traffic control devices," a news release says. Flag persons will be on site to direct motorists. "This temporary traffic pattern will be a significant change," the release notes. Because of the reconfiguration during construction, a slower speed limit will be in place around the semicircle, and extensive road signage will be visible, the release adds. "Additional caution is strongly encouraged after nightfall," the release points out. use alternate routes including U.S. 41, Myrtle Street and U.S. 301," the release says. The east side of the intersection is scheduled to be closed initially for about two more weeks while Verizon constructs an underground vault for its utilities, the release points out. Afterward, the road contractor will begin construction of a roundabout at Old Bradenton Road and 47th Street. The temporary traffic diversion will remain in place until the roadway improvements are completed in that phase of the project, the release adds. The City of Sarasota will continue to inform the public about future traffic changes on Old Bradenton Road, including when the standard north-south configuration will return. The public may register to receive email updates on the project by visiting www.SarasotaGov.com. "Although Old Bradenton Road will be open to People also may follow the progress on Twittraffic, motorists are strongly encouraged to ter @CityofSarasota. CITY'S STREET PAVING PROJECT CONTINUING The City of Sarasota's annual street paving project is continuing, with approximately 12-13 miles of streets slated for resurfacing through November, the city is reminding the public. when crews will be in the area, a news release says. Streets are scheduled for repaving based on criteria established by an asset management team within the Public Works Department, Click here to see a detailed tentative map for the release adds. Throughout the year, crews use a scale of 1-100 to rate roads as they drive mid-August through September. around the city. Staff also takes residents' Prior to work commencing, signs will be post- recommendations into consideration, the ed in neighborhoods to provide specific dates release notes. CLARIFICATION An article in the Aug. 9/16 issue titled, A thousand new hotel rooms, reported on a discussion during a Downtown Improvement District meeting about the hiring of private security personnel to work at Selby Library and the Sarasota County Area Transit bus transfer station on Lemon Avenue. A spokesman for Sarasota County asked the News Leader to make it clear that all people are welcome at each one of the county's libraries, including Selby. However, security is provided to assist staff in dealing with patrons who violate the code of conduct that everyone is expected to follow, the spokesman said.