LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. — Manatee County officials inaugurated the 44th Avenue extension project on Monday, linking Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch while alleviating traffic congestion in the region.
“This has been a long time in the making for at least 25 years,” stated Bob McCann, Manatee County Commissioner. “This new roadway is undeniably transformative.”
The final phase of the extension project brings an additional two miles of roadway, including a bridge over I-75. McCann noted that the extension can support about 36,000 vehicles daily and is projected to lessen traffic on State Road 64 and 70 by 21,000 vehicles per day.
“This overpass now establishes a robust, safe connection between Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. Two dynamic and rapidly growing areas,” remarked John Kubler, F-DOT Director of Operations. “This project exemplifies how thoughtful infrastructure can bridge communities, enhance quality of life, and proactively address growth.”
Crews are finalizing the last details of the extension, which will be open to traffic starting Saturday.
“It used to be referred to as the ‘Bridge to Nowhere.’ Now, we no longer have a bridge to nowhere,” said McCann. “We have a unified community connected through this transportation system.”
Florida House Rep. Bill Conerly mentioned that the construction of the 44th Avenue extension was funded by approximately $28 million in grant money.
The first phase of construction commenced in 2013.
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