Manatee County opens 44th Avenue Bridge over Braden River

The ribbon cutting for the opening of the 44th Avenue Bridge over the Braden River Monday in East County was done with a snip, in a snap.

Officials had gathered for the celebration at 8 a.m., but workers still needed to line the road crossing the bridge so it could be opened by midday. So the festivities were kept to a minimum. Dignitaries gathered behind the ribbon, the big scissors were brought out, and in a flash, it was over.

That being the case, Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse summed up the importance of the day.

"This is going to make my life easier," Kruse said of the completion of the latest project of the 44th Avenue extension which now takes the road from Cortez to 1/4 mile west of Interstate 75. "And I am sure it will make your life easier."

Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said a lot of foresight was needed by Manatee County leaders to get a project, that had first been considered as part of the 1968 Concept Development Plan, moving.

"We need more east-west connections and arteries," Van Ostenbridge said. "This is not just for safety, it is a convenience issue, just quality of life.

"If you are sitting in line, it will be consuming more of your day."

The final leg of the extension — Project 6 — will complete the road through to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. That will include a bridge over I-75, and a bridge or a causeway over the Southeast Water Treatment Facility Stormwater Pond

The final project was originally estimated at $33.4 million but now has soared to $129,194,683. But that cost will include new plans for the road's intersection with the Lena Road project that will connect the north and south segments of that road. The increase cost also includes added utility infrastructure.

Photo by Jay Heater

The original projected cost for the entire 44th Avenue extension project was $145.64 million but now has risen to $250,801,879.

However, commissioners say it is money well spent. When the 44th Avenue Extension is completed, it is expected to handle 36,000 vehicles per day. The hope is that is significantly reduces traffic on parallel roads State Road 64 and State Road 70. County estimates are that those two roads will have a combined 21,000 fewer vehicles per day using them.

The construction of the six phases of the total project began in 2013 at the western most point of the road, then worked eastward.

The fifth phase of the project, including the bridge over the Braden River, was built by Woodruff and Sons of Bradenton.

Don Woodruff said the project was a fairly normal assignment for his team, except for "maybe being on a bigger scale."

His project manager, Matt Anderson, said an important part of the project was building 4,000 feet of water line that greatly increases the county's ability to move potable water. The big blue pipe can be seen running between the east-west lanes on the bridge.

Photo by Jay Heater

"The county wanted to build this one time," Anderson said of the increased capacity with the water line. "They wanted to account for the future. It was an integral part of this project."

Except for a brief section of road near the Desoto Mall area, the road will be four lanes (two each direction) throughout.

Manatee County Engineer Scott May said the entire project will be mostly completed in two years with additional work ongoing through 2027.

Project Manager Eric Shroyer said building a bridge over the Braden River did present some permitting and physical challenges for the county. However, he said the finished product will be "huge" in reducing congestion on county roads.

Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher said the county's staff just worked hard to overcome any challenges.

"If you see two things and you can't connect them, you have to find a way," Satcher said. "We need to keep people moving to wherever they want to go."