Roadwork will continue through the end of August at one of the busiest intersections in Ocala, as construction crews continue to resurface and widen lanes at U.S. 441 and State Road 40 and make pedestrian, sidewalk, intersection, and signalization improvements.
The Florida Department of Transportation extended its series of nightly, single-lane closures along U.S. 441/U.S. 27/U.S. 301 (South Pine Avenue) beginning just south of the roadway’s intersection with State Road 40 and extending between SW 3rd Street and NW 2nd Street in downtown Ocala.
The closures will take place from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. each night through August 31.
Construction of the $4.7-million project began in Spring 2023 and is projected to be complete this Summer, according to FDOT.
The intent of the project is to implement traffic operation improvements and improve the life of the pavement through milling and resurfacing the existing travel lanes, and turn lane widening, according to FDOT.
Minor drainage, pedestrian, sidewalk, intersection and signalization improvements are also a part of the project.
“The proposed improvements will add a dual left turn on northbound U.S. 441 to S.R. 40, and extend the left turn lane from southbound U.S. 441 to S.R. 40, and the northbound left turn from U.S. 441 to NW 2nd Street,” reads a statement from FDOT.
In April, Ocala-News.com originally reported that the roadway would experience closures through May for improvements.
State officials extended that timeline in late April.
Motorists should expect nightly northbound and southbound single-lane closures within the project limits to construct a median traffic separator.
“Please reduce your speed and remain cautious when bypassing the work zone,” reads a statement from FDOT.
For more information or questions about this project, visit the Florida Department of Transportation Central Florida Roads website.