SARASOTA COUNTY — As construction work and major land clearing takes place around the intersection of U.S. 41 and River Road just north of North Port, Sarasota County officials say the $8.7 million project is still on target for completion this fall.

One of the biggest changes since the holiday season is the clearing of several acres of land on the northwest corner of the land. County Mobility Program Manager Thai Tran said recent work was done by contractor Woodruff and Sons Inc., who is in charge of the project. New southbound lanes have been created including a dedicated right-turn lane, two southbound through lanes and two left-turn lanes.