FDOT schedules Cortez Bridge meeting

The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting to discuss the Cortez Bridge repair project that is scheduled to begin later this month.

The meeting is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the project one-on-one with members of the project team in an open house format.

The $4 million project will extend the life of the 58-year-old bridge by approximately 10 years.

The project is separate from an ongoing Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study that FDOT is conducting to evaluate future rehabilitation or replacement of the existing bridge.

Repair work is scheduled to begin April 28, with completion expected in early 2015. FDOT chose to begin the project in late April to avoid peak season and community events. Lane closures will only occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Extended bridge openings lasting up to 15 minutes will occur between midnight and 5 a.m.

Contact Robin Hartill at rhartill@yourobserver.