44th Avenue East Extension Nears Completion Ahead of Schedule, Offers New Route Through Manatee County
A major infrastructure project, which has been in the making for over a decade, is finally nearing completion. Manatee County officials say the 44th Avenue East extension could open as early as August—nearly four months ahead of schedule—bringing long-awaited traffic relief to the region.
The $80 million project, which first broke ground in 2013, will serve as a new east-west connector stretching across Interstate 75 and into Lakewood Ranch. Once open, it is expected to ease congestion on State Roads 64 and 70, reducing traffic by as much as 21,000 vehicles per day and accommodating up to 36,000 new daily trips.
Public Works Director Chad Butzow likened the milestone to the 2017 opening of the Fort Hamer Bridge, calling the extension a “generational change” in how drivers navigate the growing county.
But the project wasn’t without its challenges.
During the construction of the final phase, crews encountered an unexpected environmental obstacle: a pair of nesting bald eagles. Under federal protections, work near the nest had to be carefully adjusted. Crews modified construction practices to reduce noise and vibration while Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department monitored the nest closely.
SEMA Construction, the firm overseeing the build, confirmed that the eagles successfully hatched and fledged two eaglets during the project’s first year—an environmental success story amid the roadwork.
As the final touches are placed over the next two months, residents can expect smoother commutes and a much-needed alternative route connecting key parts of the county. The project represents one of the most significant road expansions in recent Manatee County history and is poised to improve regional traffic flow significantly upon its opening in August.
