Crash knocks out traffic signal at major Sarasota intersection

A traffic crash early Tuesday knocked out the power to the traffic signals at major intersection in Sarasota. Power may not be restored until late afternoon, according to Sarasota police.

The single-vehicle crash at U.S. 301 and 12th Street happened about 3 a.m., according to a news release.

As public works crews attempt to restore power, 12th Street between Palmer Wood Court and North East Avenue is closed eastbound and westbound. However traffic is moving northbound and southbound along US 301.

"Officers are asking drivers to avoid the area of 12th Street and North Washington Boulevard (U.S. 301) if possible," the release states. "Traffic lights remain out at the intersection following a single vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 3 a.m. today."



Alternate routes for drivers include Orange Avenue, East Avenue, Tuttle Avenue or Lime Avenue.



The crash is currently under investigation but it appears the single vehicle, a Ford Focus driven by a male, was traveling southbound on US 301 at a high rate of speed and struck the light/power pole on the northwest corner of the intersection of US 301 and 12th Street. Officials estimated the damage at between $30,000 and $40,000.



The driver was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and is expected to survive, police said.

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 5:54 AM with the headline "Crash knocks out traffic signal at major Sarasota intersection."