MOUNT DORA — Preliminary Florida Department of Transportation restoration work has been completed along Donnelly Street in the wake of the Oct. 26 flooding.
The agency cleared the asphalt and roadway debris. Work also included backfilling and compaction with structural fill dirt and the installation of new drainage pipes.
The state agency continues to assist the city of Mount Dora in obtaining Local Agency Program certification, which will make the city eligible for federal funding to support roadway reconstruction.
“The city of Mount Dora is accelerating the design and engineering phase for Donnelly Street to fast-track construction bidding and contracting as soon as possible,” the city’s spokesperson said in a media release.
Motorists are advised that traffic movements at the intersection of U.S. 441 and Fiddler Road/Beta Drive in Mount Dora have been modified to improve safety as traffic volume at the intersection has increased due to the detour on North Donnelly Street.
Motorists entering the intersection from either direction of Fiddler Road/Beta Drive must now make a right turn onto U.S. 441. Through-traffic on Fiddler Road/Beta Drive and left turns from Fiddler Road/Beta Drive onto U.S. 441 are no longer permitted. Drivers who wish to travel in the opposite direction should use the next available intersection to make a U-turn.
FDOT has installed a temporary barrier across U.S. 441 at the intersection to block through-traffic and left turns from Fiddler Road/Beta Drive.
The decision was made after observation of the intersection showed increased traffic volume, creating safety and operational issues. “Requiring vehicles to make right turns only onto U.S. 441 is designed to improve safety,” the agency spokesperson said.
“The intersection modifications will be needed for just a few months. A private developer plans to install a traffic signal at the intersection early next year.”
Motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes to avoid the intersection. Travelers who must use the intersection should use extra caution as the community adjusts to the modifications to the intersection movements.
All lanes are open on State Road 46 near U.S. 441 except for the outside lane on the flyover ramp from U.S. 441 to eastbound S.R. 46 and the westbound outside bike lane from Sabastian Street to just east of U.S. 441.
“The city reminds residents and visitors that Mount Dora’s shops and restaurants are open, and all scheduled events remain on as planned,” the spokesperson added.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Mount Dora updates community on FDOT repairs, road closures
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
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