SARASOTA, Fla. — Construction has begun on a pair of overpasses that would improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists using the Legacy Trail in Sarasota.
The road enhancements being carried out by Florida's Department of Transportation would also be a plus for drivers.
"A bridge will be nice. It would be a lot safer," Steve Limkemann, a cyclist and Sarasota resident, said.
The Legacy Trail overpasses, which would be on Bee Ridge Road and Clark Road, would look similar to the one already in place on Laurel Road.
Construction markings near the trail's intersection with the roads describe the design for the bridge, which includes retaining wall ramps on both approaches to each bridge for stability.
Some trail users said it would reduce the chances of trail users colliding with motorists.
"There are some idiots out here who just don't believe in these lights at all," Limkemann added.
"Especially on a busy road, with the constant stopping for people using the trail, I'm sure it's going to help with that a little bit," Desmond Gallahue, another cyclist, said.
Sarasota County park officials said they are also keeping an eye out for speeders on the trail.
"There's definitely danger for both people speeding as well as our other users," Nicole Rissler, director of Sarasota Parks and Rec, said.
"If you are riding an E-bike down the trail at 30 miles an hour and there's a dog and their owner and the dog decides to pop out in front of you going 30 miles an hour, it's probably not going to be great for you or that poor dog," Rissler explained.
The sheriff's office is also increasing visibility at different times along the trail with some deputies on mounted patrol to help both educate and enforce the rules of the trail, including the 15 mph speed limit.
"We know that the Legacy Trail is an incredible amenity for Sarasota County for our citizens and our visitors. We just asked them to be educated on how to properly use the trail and just be good stewards of it," Rissler said.
"The only downside I see is it's going to add more elevation to my ride," Gallahue said.
According to county officials, more than 650,000 people, a combination of locals and tourists, use the trail annually.
Construction for the pedestrian overpasses will take about 2 years, but FDOT officials say they'll work during the overnight hours for safety and to prevent the need to close the trail.
There will also be additional overpasses at Beneva, Bahia Vista, and Tuttle roads.