A $66 million upgrade is coming to this busy Bradenton road. See the plans
Major improvements to a busy Manatee County roadway begin soon, and it will mean temporary changes to traffic patterns.
The county is starting construction on upgrades to 63rd Avenue East between U.S. 301 and Tuttle Avenue. Construction is expected to last about two years, and will be done through multiple phases that may require temporary lane closures.
About 1.12 miles of 63rd Avenue East will be widened from two lanes to four. Other upgrades include a center turn lane west of Prospect Road, a raised median east of Prospect Road, new traffic signals and buffered bike lanes.
Manatee County officials say these improvements will increase roadway capacity, enhance mobility and improve the overall safety of the corridor.
The total budget for the project is $65.6 million, which was earmarked through the county’s capital improvement plan. Funding for the project comes from impact fees, infrastructure sales tax funds and other prior funding.
Manatee County plans road expansion
“The 63rd Avenue East Roadway Improvement Project is a major investment in the future of Manatee County’s transportation network,” Commissioner Mike Rahn said in a press release. “These improvements will make this important thoroughfare safer for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists while increasing capacity along one of our key east-west corridors through the heart of Manatee County’s industrial and employment center. This project will improve mobility today while supporting continued economic growth for decades to come.”
In conjunction with the recently-completed Pearce Drain South Flood Mitigation Project, the project will also include long-term stormwater benefits.
“These improvements lay the groundwork for the roadway project while also providing lasting flood mitigation benefits for the surrounding community,” a release from the county states.
Residents are encouraged to stay up to date on the project website for the latest construction updates and traffic changes.
