City hosts construction kickoff for Price widening
Published on April 25, 2025
The City of North Port commemorated a major milestone with a construction kickoff ceremony for the long-awaited Price Boulevard Widening Project on Friday.
The event, held at the corner of Price Boulevard and North Main Street, brought together city commissioners, leadership and invited guests to mark the official start of the City’s largest infrastructure project to date. The occasion was marked with a ceremonial flip of a switch to turn on a signboard.
The Price Boulevard Widening Project will expand approximately 2.8 miles of roadway from east of Sumter Boulevard to west of Toledo Blade Boulevard.
This project was made possible after North Port voters approved a 2022 referendum authorizing the City to borrow funds for the expansion. The City Commission awarded the construction contract to Watson Civil Construction, Inc. in March 2025 following a competitive bid process. The Notice to Proceed for major construction is scheduled for May 19, 2025, with utility relocation work already underway.
“This needed widening will not only help alleviate traffic but strengthen our evacuation routes and clear the way for emergency responders, creating a safer community,” North Port City Manager Jerome Fletcher said.
The Price Boulevard corridor serves as a vital east-west artery for North Port, and the improvements are expected to address longstanding traffic congestion, enhance stormwater management, and improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
Construction is anticipated to take approximately three years, with substantial completion targeted for late 2027. The City is committed to minimizing disruptions by maintaining traffic flow throughout construction, except for intermittent closures necessary for waterway crossings.
For ongoing updates and more information about the Price Boulevard Widening Project, residents are encouraged to visit NorthPortFL.gov/Price, call 941-240-6960 or email PriceWideningInfo@NorthPortFL.gov