Fort Hamer Bridge is finally open

Parrish resident Chandra McCoy had plans for her day off Oct. 18.

McCoy, a nurse, traveled to the Fort Hamer Bridge to watch Manatee County officials celebrate its opening.

“This is going to be historic,” said McCoy, who plans to walk the bridge regularly as part of her exercise regimen. She lives about a mile away.

Construction of the bridge started in March 2015, but it has been a point of conversation for county officials for 124 years.

Manatee County Commission Chairwoman Betsy Benac, who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony with other county and state officials, said the bridge will give area drivers options and will expedite travel to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. She said it also will increase access to Fort Hamer Park.

“This bridge will shorten commutes. This will be a reliever for Interstate 75,” she said.

The Fort Hamer Bridge spans about a half mile across the Manatee River and includes 5-foot sidewalks and 4-foot paved bicycle lanes.

“We’re excited,” said Parrish resident Alicia Simat, who attended the ceremony with friends. “We’re officially connected to the world.”