DeSoto Bridge Project Starts April 30

BRADENTON -- The Florida Department of Transportation will begin making improvements to the US 301/Hernando DeSoto Bridge on April 30, 2012. Improvements being made as part of this $1.7 million project include minor structural repairs, replacing a portion of the bridge deck, and installing bridge pile (also known as the bridge columns) jackets. The project is expected to be complete in late summer 2012.

Crews will work from the water while removing barnacles from the bridge columns and when installing the pile jackets to protect the concrete. The main channel for boat access remains open but caution should be used when passing by construction barges.

Most construction on the bridge will occur at night. Work requiring lane closures will occur between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. although two-way traffic will be permitted. Lane closures are not permitted between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Lanes shifts should also be expected throughout the duration of the project.

Access and use of Anthony T. Rossi (Waterfront) Park on the south side of the bridge and Palmetto Estuary Park on the north side of the bridge will be maintained while construction is underway.