A scheduling delay involving the relocation of Manatee County water lines is expected to keep the intersection of Marina Drive and 56th Street closed until at least Sept. 25 as work continues on a stormwater improvement project.
The intersection has been closed since Aug. 17 while Tampa-based Harris-McBurney Company performs utility and drainage work. The closure was originally expected to last about three weeks.
The project is designed to improve drainage along 56th Street by upgrading stormwater pipes, installing catch basins and reshaping roadside swales.
Before portions of the new stormwater system can be completed, the contractor must relocate Manatee County potable water lines that conflict with the planned drainage infrastructure.
Harris-McBurney crews have excavated the intersection and installed a new water line along with a portion of the storm sewer. Manatee County staff are scheduled to activate the new water line on Sept. 13.
Once the new line is placed into service, crews can remove the old water lines and complete the storm sewer. The excavation will then be filled, followed by roadway repaving and temporary pavement striping.
Motorists traveling through the area should continue to follow posted detours and allow additional travel time while construction is underway.