BRADENTON, Fla. — A bridge that's stood over the Manatee River for 65 years is finally set to be replaced, and Florida transportation leaders want your input on how to do it.
The Florida Department of Transportation is conducting a study on alternatives for the DeSoto Bridge, which connects the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto.
The current bridge, constructed in 1957, has four lanes, two in each direction. It also provides 40 feet of vertical clearance over the river for events like the Bradenton River Regatta.
The DeSoto Bridge, as it stands, can't keep up with the traffic flow, especially given the significant growth in Manatee County. The Bradenton Herald reports that Manatee County saw a 269% increase in population between 1980 and 2020.
According to FDOT, the new bridge over the Manatee River will be "similar in length and profile to the existing one." It will also feature wider inside and outside shoulders as well as a barrier separating a path for pedestrians and bicyclists from the cars.
The study will also look at other corridors to meet the growing transportation demands of the county. The DeSoto Bridge corridor is just one of 10 options.
The next chance to weigh in on the project is during an online meeting set for 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. You'll just need your first name, last name and email address to register in advance here.
FDOT suggests reviewing the plans online before the meeting and being prepared to provide written comments while remotely viewing the presentation.
Comments on the DeSoto Bridge project can also be submitted by:
- Emailing Project Manager Richard Combs at richard.combs@dot.state.fl.us
- Mailing a letter to Richard Combs, 801 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830
- Calling 863-698-3770