Manatee County Gears Up for Major Infrastructure Milestones
Manatee County, Florida, is poised for significant progress in 2025 as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) advances several road and bridge projects to enhance connectivity and infrastructure.
A transformative project to reconfigure the Interstate 75 interchange at U.S. Route 301 is underway. Scheduled for completion in mid-2025, the project will introduce a tight diamond interchange and replace the existing bridge across the Manatee River. Parts of I-75, from State Route 64 to U.S. Route 301, will be widened to eight lanes. Additionally, two new bridges across the river, designed as entrance and exit ramps, are expected to open by February 2025, marking a significant milestone for regional travel.
In another key initiative, FDOT is preparing to break ground on the long-anticipated Cortez Bridge replacement project by late 2025 or early 2026. This bridge, a critical link between the Manatee County mainland and Anna Maria Island, will be replaced with a modern structure just north of its current location.
Plans are also in motion to replace two additional bridges connecting Anna Maria Island, with construction scheduled for the 2028-2029 fiscal year. Meanwhile, FDOT is conducting an environmental assessment for the replacement of the bridge linking Anna Maria Island to Longboat Key. While design work for this project is slated for 2026, funding has yet to be secured.
In addition to bridge projects, FDOT is undertaking roadway improvements to extend the life of State Route 55. This work will involve resurfacing, guardrail replacements, sidewalk repairs, upgraded lighting, and modernized pedestrian signals. Construction is also ongoing to expand a 3.6-mile section of State Route 70 from two to four lanes, with completion expected in late 2027.
These projects represent a comprehensive effort to modernize Manatee County's infrastructure, improving safety, traffic flow, and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.