Manatee County has applied for $61.6 million in federal Bridge Investment Program funding to support the planned expansion of the Fort Hamer Bridge. The project has also drawn the backing of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, who is advocating for the county’s request to help secure the funds.
The $190.5 million project would widen the bridge, which opened in 2017, from two lanes to four. Plans also include improvements to Fort Hamer Road between Upper Manatee River Road and U.S. 301. The expansion is designed to improve traffic flow while enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
County officials say the project will also provide more efficient access for freight and emergency vehicles, addressing the rapid growth in the northeastern portion of the county. If funding is secured, the effort would mark a significant step in meeting long-term transportation needs for the region.
The Bridge Investment Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, is a competitive federal grant initiative aimed at upgrading infrastructure across the country. Manatee County leaders say the requested funding would play a critical role in advancing the Fort Hamer Bridge expansion, which has been identified as a priority project in local and regional transportation planning.
They should have built it in the first place with the other bridge.