Public hearing called on replacement or repair of Cortez Bridge

The Florida Department of Transportation has scheduled a public hearing for the proposed improvements to Cortez Road Bridge from Gulf Drive to 123rd Street West in Manatee County Thursday at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 6101 Cortez Road W.

The hearing will begin as an informal open house at 5 p.m., with a formal presentation at 6 p.m. followed by a public oral comment period.

This hearing is being held to allow comments concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the future repair or replacement of the Cortez Bridge.

Replacement alternatives include a 35-foot vertical clearance drawbridge and a high-level fixed bridge within the existing corridor. A video presentation will explain the alternatives.

The type and location of potential replacement bridges has been met with concern and interest by local residents and businesses.

A recommendation is expected late this summer during a public hearing, Zac Burch, FDOT spokesman, has previously said.

Information developed by FDOT will be available for public review during regular business hours at Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach and Kirkwood Presbyterian Church office. These materials will also be available at the hearing site throughout the duration of the public hearing.

Anyone desiring to submit written comments in place of or in addition to oral statements, may do so at the hearing or by sending them to Marlon Bizerra, project manager, at FDOT District One, P.O. Box 1249, Bartow, Florida, 33831. All comments postmarked no later than Sept. 12, will become part of the public hearing record.

This story was originally published August 25, 2017 at 11:25 AM with the headline "Public hearing called on replacement or repair of Cortez Bridge."