Public scopes out Fort Hamer project

Hundreds of East County residents gathered Thursday night at Haile Middle School to review plans for the Fort Hamer Bridge and improvements to Upper Manatee River Road.

Manatee County transportation planners, consultants and other professionals were on site to answer questions about the project's details. 

Guests were able to review maps and other details related to the projects, which total $32.7 million.

"The bridge is a great idea; it's a necessity," said Greenfield Plantation resident Roger Simmons. "But, what about the increased traffic from a safety standpoint? It's already a race track. There're no plans to widen the road."

Manatee County will build the two-lane Fort Hamer Bridge, which will extend about 2,300 feet across the Manatee River and connect Upper Manatee River Road to Fort Hamer Road. Those road segments also will undergo functional improvements, including bicycle lanes and sidewalks.

For a complete story, see the April 2 issue of the East County Observer.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].