State begins work on DeSoto Bridge linking Bradenton, Palmetto

BRADENTON -- The Florida Department of Transportation’s contractor started work Monday on a $1.7 million improvement project on the U.S. 301/Hernando DeSoto Bridge.

The bridge spans the Manatee River, carrying traffic between the river's north and south banks.

Construction crews are making structural repairs, replacing a portion of the bridge deck, and installing pile jackets to protect the bridge piles, according to Cindy Clemmons, a spokeswoman for the department.

Heavy equipment sat ready to go at the bridge's north end earlier Monday.

Most construction on the bridge will occur at night; motorists should expect some work to close travel lanes from 8 p.m. - 6 a.m., although two-way traffic will be permitted, Clemmons said.

Lane closures are not permitted between 6 a.m. - 8 p.m., but lane shifts are expected during construction, she said.

Project completion is slated for late summer, said Clemmons.

The contractor is CMA Corp., she said.

This story was originally published May 7, 2012 at 2:57 PM with the headline "State begins work on DeSoto Bridge linking Bradenton, Palmetto."