Manatee County’s busiest intersection to start construction on new roundabout, changes
Construction starts Monday on a roundabout and an additional turn lane that are coming to Cooper Creek Boulevard to facilitate traffic flow and improve safety along The Shoppes at UTC, Manatee County said Thursday.
Among businesses served in the shopping center are Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Kirkland’s, Marshalls, Total Wine, BJ’s, Nordstrom Rack, PGA Superstore, Ross, Bonefish Grill and more.
“Over the next several weeks, construction crews will work to reconfigure Cooper Creek Boulevard from University Parkway north to the entrance of The Shoppes at UTC,” Manatee County announced in a press release.
“This important roadway project will significantly improve safety and mobility along Cooper Creek for residents, visitors and employees traveling to work,” the press release said.
The intersection of University Parkway and Cooper Creek Boulevard is the busiest in Manatee County with 94,362 cars passing through there daily, Manatee County officials have previously reported.
Among the planned improvements:
▪ Replacement of the signalized intersection on Cooper Creek Boulevard at the entrance to the Shoppes at UTC with a roundabout, which planners say will eliminate stopped traffic on Cooper Creek Blvd.
▪ An additional turn lane from southbound Cooper Creek to eastbound University Parkway to help reduce wait times from traffic headed toward I-75 and Lakewood Ranch.
Additionally, access to Tourist Center Drive from northbound Cooper Creek will be redirected. Drivers wishing to access that roadway will now make a right-turn movement after use of the roundabout.
Work is scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 22, and will continue through Nov. 4 with completion in time for the holiday season.
Cooper Creek Boulevard will remain open to road traffic during construction but it will be reduced to one lane on occasion.
Pedestrian traffic may be impacted during construction, but alternate access will be made available.
All businesses are expected to remain open and maintain regular operating hours during the roadwork.
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call 941-748-4501.
This story was originally published August 18, 2022 at 2:28 PM.
