MANATEE -- After months of construction, the El Conquistador Parkway extension connecting 34th Street West to the traffic circle at 75th Street West and 53rd Avenue is finished.

The $2.2 million project officially completed Monday with the opening of the roads, according to a Manatee County news release.

Bill Schlacks, president of the El Conquistador Neighborhood Association, said the extension adds convenience to the area, but he hopes it won't become a congested route.

"We are hoping that we don't pick up that route as an alternative to 53rd Avenue -- we're hoping traffic stays on 53rd Avenue," said Schlacks.

He expects a surge in "curious" traffic during the first few days after the opening, he said.

"From a development standpoint, I think it was inevitable, it had to take place," Schlacks said. "It will be a value to all the property owners from that standpoint."