Public meeting scheduled for Cortez Bridge project

The public will have an opportunity later this month to voice their praise and concern regarding possible changes to the Cortez Bridge.

The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting on Aug. 31 at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, located at 6101 Cortez Road W., to discuss the Project Development and Environment study of the bridge.

The study looked at a number of factors — including environmental impact, traffic, air quality and noise — of how the project would affect Cortez Road between Gulf Drive on Anna Maria Island and 123rd Street West on the mainland.

The open house begins at 5 p.m., where proposed designs of a repair or replacement of the bridge will be on display and FDOT staff will be available to answer questions.

Comments can be submitted by mail or online by Sept. 12. Forms and more information can be found at www.cortezbridge.com.

This story was originally published August 14, 2017 at 3:47 PM with the headline "Public meeting scheduled for Cortez Bridge project."