Traffic delays coming to Anna Maria Island as water main repairs resume. What to know
The final phase of repairs along the Manatee Avenue Bridge that were originally set to finish in September will resume for one day this week.
As a result, drivers to and from Anna Maria Island can expect traffic delays in the Bradenton area Wednesday.
Work to install permanent pipe supports for a water main along the Manatee Avenue Bridge over Anna Maria Sound will require periodic lane closures and periods of one-way traffic on Wednesday, according to a release.
The one-day closure is expected to be active between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
The repairs were delayed in September due to a delay in acquiring key construction materials, the Bradenton Herald previously reported.
While county officials said in a release that the contractor for the repairs will be primarily working from the water instead of the road in order to minimize the impact to drivers, the single-day lane shutdown is necessary to complete the operation.
They also said that due to safety concerns, the work is not possible at night.
Water main repairs on AMI bridge
The repair project first began when the water main, which provides potable water to Anna Maria Island, fell into Anna Maria Sound on June 20 after it collapsed from hangers under the bridge.
The county then began repairs on the pipe on June 26 and completed the first phase in the first week of July.
Repairs are now in the final phase, which will involve the installation of additional hangers to support the pipe on the east side of the bridge.
Those wishing to avoid one-way traffic lanes on Wednesday, Nov. 1, can find alternate routes via the Cortez Bridge or the John Ringling Bridge in Sarasota.
