MANATEE COUNTY, FL (August 17, 2022) – 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. This important roadway project will significantly improve safety and mobility along Cooper Creek for residents, visitors and employees traveling to work.
Several improvements will be made, including replacing the signalized intersection on Cooper Creek Blvd. at the entrance to the Shoppes at UTC with a roundabout, which planners say will eliminate stopped traffic on Cooper Creek Blvd. An extra turn lane from southbound Cooper Creek to eastbound University Parkway will be added 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, August 22, and will continue through November 4—finishing just in time for the holiday season. Cooper Creek Blvd. will remain open to road traffic during construction; however, it will be reduced to one lane during periods of time. Pedestrian traffic may be impacted during construction, but alternate access will be made available. All businesses will remain open and maintain regular operating hours during the roadwork.
