Construction begins on 44th Avenue East expansion. It includes bridge over Braden River
Construction workers began building another segment of the 44th Avenue East extension this week, extending the east-west connector further out toward Lakewood Ranch.
The 3.27-mile stretch begins at 45th Street East and includes the bridge over Braden River. The $54.6 million project will end just one-quarter mile west of Interstate 75, according to a release from Manatee County government.
Work will also include newly installed multi-use trails, street lighting improvements and lane widening to increase 44th Avenue into a four-lane road. Construction should be complete by early 2023.
The improvements are certain to relieve traffic on State Road 64 and State Road 70, said Commissioner Vanessa Baugh.
“I think 44th Avenue, as soon as it’s completed over to East County, is going to solve so many issues. Already, we have 70 and 64 so congested when people are going to work,” Baugh noted. “I’m excited that we’re getting something out east that helps with traffic.”
Transforming 44th Avenue into a true connector from Cortez to Lakewood Ranch has been a top priority for the Board of County Commissioners. Last year, Florida’s state budget allocated an additional $10 million to help Manatee fund construction.
Adding another major east-west road will also ease the congestion that comes when it’s time to evacuate Manatee County in an emergency.
“That’s a serious, serious problem we have,” said Baugh. This road is going to be a tremendous help.”
The 0.28-mile bridge over Braden River will be four lanes with shoulders, barriers, a sidewalk and space in the middle of the bridge for Manatee County utilities and lights, a release said.
Changes are also coming to Caruso Road and Morgan Johnson Road. Both will be realigned to create a two-lane signalized intersection at 44th Avenue East. In the future, Caruso and Morgan Johnson may expand to a four-lane intersection, “as transportation demand grows,” a release said. Another traffic signal is coming to 44th Avenue East and Creekwood Boulevard, as well.
