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MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — State transportation officials are asking the public for input on the future of the State Road 789 Bridge on Longboat Key — a decision that could significantly affect traffic and businesses on the island.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is holding public hearings next month to discuss several options for the bridge’s future.
For Harvinder Mirchandani, customer service is everything.
She has owned Longboat Resort Wear in Longboat Key for 37 years, but her commute from Bradenton can be unpredictable.
“The traffic in the season keeps us here sometimes at night ’til 8 o’clock, and still we have to sit in traffic for half an hour more,” she said.
One major factor is the drawbridge openings on the Longboat Key Bridge, she said. When the drawbridge is raised for boat traffic, cars can quickly become backed up in both directions.
FDOT is moving into the design phase for a possible replacement. Options include a low-level drawbridge, a midlevel drawbridge, a high-level fixed-span bridge, or a no-build option.
Mirchandani said she prefers a fixed-span bridge.
“Fixed span, then we don’t have to wait for the bridge to go up and down every 15 to 40 minutes,” she said.
Heather Rippy, owner of Driftwood Beach Home & Garden, said the current drawbridge is part of island life.
“Yes, there’s traffic on the bridge, but it’s part of living on the island,” she said. “The bridge seems to be working fine. It doesn’t bother me.”
She said she also wants to preserve walkability and the character of the area.
Meanwhile, other business owners, like Irina LaRose, who is the owner of Design 2000, said traffic backups are costing them.
“Well, it’s pretty frustrating because for us as a business, we have clients that are coming for an appointment. So we start getting phone calls from clients who are sitting in traffic saying, ‘I’m sorry, I’m running late, but I’m sitting in traffic. I could walk here faster than I’m driving’,” she said.
In a statement, FDOT said that regardless of which option is selected, the new bridge will include roadway shoulders and enhanced pedestrian features to improve safety.
Public hearings next month will help determine which option moves forward.
The in-person hearing is set for 5 p.m. March 12 at Christ Church of Longboat Key, with a virtual option on March 17.
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Julia Hazel
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