Several streets to avoid this week due to constructionr

51st Ave. E between 15th St. E and Rte. 301: Closed Wednesday, April 14.

Also on April 14: In Ellenton, Franklin Ave between US 301 and 17th St E will be closed.

Sarasota County warns: "Motorists traveling along U.S. 301 (Washington Boulevard) in both directions between 17th Street and 32nd Street will experience a combination of lane closures, traffic shifts and a reduced 35-miles-per-hour speed limit at different points from 6:30 pm to 6:00 am the following day,  Monday, Apr. 12 through Friday, Apr. 16 for drainage improvements."

In other words, if you're heading to Sarasota during the evening or super-early morning hours, don't take Washington Ave.; use an alternate route.

We already told you about the 51st St. W. at Cortez Road closure, which starts on April 12 and lasts until May 10. Cortez Road is not affected, but 51st St. is totally closed, both directions, immediately N. and S. of Cortez. 

Besides these closures, every Sunday The Bradenton Times publishes the official Florida Department of Transportation weekly list of scheduled Manatee County detours and highway maintenance sites. A few minutes spent making notes about upcoming road maintenance and construction work can save hours of being tied up in traffic at construction zones.