Detour on NE 21st Street East of NE 36th Avenue in Ocala

Ocala, Fla. Motorists that drive Northeast (NE) 21st Street in the area of NE 36th Avenue are being alerted to a change in traffic pattern that will take effect in the early morning hours of Monday, Oct. 21, and last through the early morning hours of Monday, Nov. 18. During this time, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will close the east side of NE 21st Street at the NE 36th Avenue intersection. The short section of road will remain closed continuously, day and night, for utility companies to move their above and underground equipment, including water pipes. Please also be aware that work schedules can change due to weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Access to residential properties along this section of road will be maintained, which could include flagging crews. Electronic message boards and other signage will help direct other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians around work. Posted detours are as follows:

• Drivers on NE 21st Street east of NE 36th Avenue heading westbound and want to continue on NE 21st Street will be detoured left at NE 39th Avenue heading southbound to NE 14th Street (State Road (S.R.) 492) where they will turn right, and then turn right onto northbound NE 36th Avenue, where they can turn left onto NE 21st Street.
• Drivers on NE 21st Street east of NE 36th Avenue heading westbound and want to take northbound 36th Avenue will turn left onto southbound NE 39th Avenue, turn right onto westbound NE 14th Street, and turn right onto NE 36th Avenue, where they will be able to continue traveling northbound.
• Drivers on northbound NE 36th Avenue that want to access the portion of NE 21st Street east of NE 36th Avenue will have to turn left onto westbound NE 21st Street, turn left onto eastbound NE 14th Street, and continue past NE 36th Avenue to turn left onto northbound NE 39th Avenue, which will take them back to NE 21st Street.
• Drivers on southbound NE 36th Avenue that want to access the portion of NE 21st Street east of NE 36th Avenue will continue past NE 21st Street, turn left onto eastbound NE 14th Street, and turn left onto northbound NE 39th Avenue, which will take them back to NE 21st Street.

The work is part of a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to NE 36th Avenue from two to four lanes between NE 20th Place to north of NE 25th Street. The project also calls for construction of bridges over the CSX railroad crossing and a new access road that will be built, realigning NE 24th and NE 25th streets, construction of ponds, new turn lanes at multiple locations, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, updated signage and pavement markings, and drainage, lighting and signalization improvements, as well as various pedestrian features to comply with the current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Please note that construction schedules may change due to weather or other circumstances. Electronic message boards will be used to alert and direct drivers around the work.

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT Communications Office at FDOT-D5COMM@dot.state.fl.us or by phone at 386-943-5479. Project information is also available online at www.CFLRoads.com.

FDOT urges all drivers to stay alert and use caution while driving through or near construction zones. When driving, walking, or bicycling, remember to pay attention and follow the rules. Safety doesn't happen by accident.

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