NEWS

In the Know: Concrete cylinders on U.S. 41 part of FDOT improvement project

Tim Aten
Naples
The concrete cylinders recently seen along U.S. 41 north of Pine Ridge Road are precast bases for light poles. A Florida Department of Transportation construction project is adding sidewalks and lighting to that North Naples area.

Q: Can you tell us what is happening on the east side of 41 from Pelican Bay Boulevard South to Pelican Bay Boulevard North? There are concrete cylinders every few yards in what looks like a drainage area and then there are black vinyl pieces stretched across frequently as though they are acting as dams for something. There is no excess of water in this area. Just wondering what the project is.

— Barbara Billman, Naples

Q: What are the concrete cylinders being buried along Route 41 from Pine Ridge to Vanderbilt Beach?

— Fred Hertel, North Naples

Q: On 41 North between Pine Ridge and Vanderbilt, right side as you drive north, they are sinking concrete cylinders about the size of a tall water heater into the drainage ditch ground at regular intervals.  What is the purpose of doing this?

Bob Stommel, Naples

A: The Florida Department of Transportation construction project is adding sidewalks and lighting while making drainage and transit improvements on the east side of U.S. 41 from Pine Ridge Road north to Sandpine Drive, which is just south of Pelican Bay Boulevard North in the Pine Ridge Estates area.

“The concrete cylinders seen along U.S. 41 are actually precast bases for the light poles. As of today, all the bases have been installed,” FDOT communications manager Zachary Burch said. “The black fabric is silt fencing, made of a permeable material used for erosion control and environmental preservation of the area, this is a standard construction practice.”

Crews also will resurface the intersection of U.S. 41 and Pelican Bay Boulevard. The project also includes construction of bus pads, curbs, milling and signalization.

FDOT contractor American Lighting & Signalization Inc. is estimated to complete the $2 million project in summer 2018. Work is scheduled to occur during daytime and nighttime hours, but motorists should expect intermittent lane closures from 7 p.m. to about 6 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Know more

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Have a local question? Email it with your name and city of residence to intheknow@naplesnews.com. Tim Aten’s "In the Know" is published every Monday and Wednesday. Like In the Know on Facebook now at facebook.com/timaten.intheknow.