SR 70 Widening Project Underway: Roundabouts, Safety Upgrades, and Path Improvements Coming to East Bradenton Corridor
Major upgrades are underway along State Road 70, from Bourneside Boulevard to Waterbury Road, as part of a long-term infrastructure improvement project aimed at expanding capacity, improving safety, and enhancing multimodal transportation options.
The project will widen the existing two-lane undivided roadway into a four-lane divided corridor, adding several safety and accessibility features. New roundabouts are planned for 197th Street East/Lindrick Lane, 213th Street East, 225th Street East/Panther Ridge Trail, and County Road 675/Waterbury Road. Additional improvements include a new drainage system, 10-foot shared-use paths, 5-foot paved shoulders, continuous street lighting, and landscaping within the roundabouts.
This week, work crews are focusing on grading the future shared-use path and roadway between 197th Street and Meadow Dove Lane on the south side of SR 70. Underground storm drainage pipe installation is ongoing between 225th Street and CR 675 on the north side. Eastbound construction will continue with embankment hauling and subgrade stabilization near the future pond area between 197th Street and 225th Street.
Additional efforts include grading a drainage swale from 213th Street to Meadow Dove Lane (south side), utility relocation on the north shoulder, and preparing concrete foundations and pull boxes for future lighting from west of 213th Street to Panther Ridge Trail.
A traffic shift for both directions between Lindrick Lane and 213th Street is planned for June. Though no road closures are expected, drivers should anticipate a reduced speed limit of 35 mph in this zone and stay alert for posted message boards.
Later this summer, temporary closures will affect Lindrick Lane, 213th Street, Panther Ridge Trail, and Meadow Dove Lane at SR 70—one at a time—for roundabout construction on the south side of each intersection. The north side will remain accessible, and detours will be posted in advance.
The enhancements aim to reduce congestion, improve safety, and accommodate growing development in East Manatee County. Updates and traffic alerts will continue to be provided as the project progresses.
