Ribbon cutting for Manatee 44th Avenue extension project

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. — Manatee County leaders cut the ribbon on the 44th Avenue extension project on Monday, which connects Bradenton with Lakewood Ranch and will reduce traffic on area roads.

“This has been a very long time coming for at least 25 years,” said Bob McCann, Manatee County Commissioner. “This new stretch of roadway is truly a game-changer.”

The final phase of the extension project adds about two miles of new roadway, which includes a bridge over I-75. McCann said the extension can accommodate about 36,000 vehicles per day. It is expected to reduce traffic on State Road 64 and 70 by 21,000 vehicles per day.

“This overpass now creates a strong, safe link between Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. Two thriving and fast-growing areas,” said John Kubler, F-DOT Director of Operations. “It’s the kind of project that shows what thoughtful infrastructure can do. Connect communities, provide quality of life and get ahead of growth instead of being overwhelmed by it.”

Crews were still putting the final touches on the extension, which will officially open to drivers on Saturday.

“They used to call it the ‘Bridge to Nowhere.’ We don’t have a bridge to nowhere anymore,” said McCann. “Now we have a cohesive community that could be connected by this transportation.” 

Florida House Rep. Bill Conerly said about $28 million in grant money was used to build the 44th Avenue extension.

Construction of the first phase began in 2013.