The Bradenton-Palmetto Connector Alternative Corridor Evaluation Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is evaluating feasible corridor alternatives to connect the Cities of Bradenton and Palmetto across the Manatee River improving regional multimodal mobility, connectivity, and safety for all users, including motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, trucks, and transit.

The study is evaluating three corridor alternatives and incorporates engineering and environmental assessments. The PD&E phase focuses on key aspects such as the bridge’s location, height, and appearance.    

This comprehensive evaluation looks at the natural, social, physical, and cultural environment; project cost; traffic; and how each corridor meets the purpose and need of this project. Coordination with resource and regulatory agencies, project stakeholders, and the community plays a vital role in the PD&E Study process.

This process will help determine a viable preferred alternative from the three corridors from an engineering, environmental, and community perspective.

Need for the Project

The purpose of the project is to evaluate additional capacity and transportation demand across the Manatee River as part of the regional transportation system. Secondary needs of the project are to enhance safety and multi-modal interrelationships. The need for the proposed project is based on the following criteria:

• Increase roadway capacity
• Address anticipated transportation demand
• Increase safety
• Support modal interrelationships

Project Status (October 2025)
 •    The updated future traffic analysis has been completed.
•    Completed studying where traffic is coming from and where it’s going. (Origin/Destination) – Increased      from 31% to 47% of traffic is pass through. 
•    Analyzed over 20 alternatives to meet the traffic demand.
•    Examining road conditions, safety concerns, land use, and environmental factors.
•    Surveying and evaluation of environmental resources and potential impacts of resources.
•    Planning a public workshop for early 2026 to share the findings and receive community feedback.
•    Continue sharing information with stakeholders and local agencies and gathering input.

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Historical Reference

The need for an improved access across the Manatee River was identified as part of the Central Manatee Network Alternatives Analysis (CMNAA) Study, which concluded in 2019. It was a collaboration between FDOT, Manatee County, the Cities of Bradenton and Palmetto, and the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). 

This analysis led to the initiation of the Bradenton-Palmetto Connector Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) Study. The original six corridors were developed in 2017 as part of the CMNAA study.  Later, four additional corridors were introduced—two to the west and two to the east of the initial six—expanding the study to a total of ten corridors.

During the ACE Study three corridors were identified for further evaluation through a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. Corridors A, B Modified and D Modified. (During the PD&E study these corridors are referred to as Corridors A, B, and D.) Information about the ACE study is located in the Project Documents section of this page. 

Get Involved

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING - November 2024

A public information meeting for the Bradenton-Palmetto Connector ACE Study in Manatee County was held on November 12 (in-person), and November 14 (online/virtual). The in-person meeting was held at the Manatee County Fairgrounds. 

The public meeting was conducted to present information about proposed corridor alternatives. The meeting provided the opportunity for the public to express their views about the project. The same materials were displayed at both the online and in-person events and are included on this webpage.

Comments can also be provided through the project webpage (https://www.swflroads.com/project/444843-1) or by email (michelle.rutishauser@dot.state.fl.us) or mail (FDOT District One, Attn: Jimmy Vilce, 801 N. Broadway Ave. MS 1-40, Bartow, FL 33830). Questions can be answered by calling the FDOT project manager Michelle Rutishauser at (863) 380-7121.

FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2287, or email at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us  at least seven days prior to the workshop.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022 and executed by FHWA and FDOT.

This planning project may be adopted into the environmental review process, pursuant to Title 23 U.S.C. § 168, or the state project development process.

What is a PD&E Study?
A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is an environmental and engineering process developed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to determine social, economic, natural, and physical environmental effects associated with a proposed transportation improvement project. The process follows procedures set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and federal and state laws and regulations. It requires the combined efforts of professional engineers, planners, and scientists who collect and analyze project-related information to develop the best solution for transportation needs. An Important component of the process is public and agency coordination. The basics of a PD&E study include:

Data Collection
The first major work effort is the collection of all available data pertaining to the study corridors including existing community characteristics, areas of historic and cultural significance, population demographics, locations of wetlands and habitat for listed and protected species, potential contamination sites, existing and future land uses, and drainage patterns.

Alternatives Development and Analysis
Once the data collection is complete and the needs of each corridor have been determined; various improvement alternatives will be developed. For the Bradenton-Palmetto Connector project, these alternatives include alignments, typical sections, and other bridge features. The environmental impacts, social impacts and costs of these alternatives will be quantified and summarized in a comparative matrix. In a future design phase, other bridge design elements (lighting, shared-use paths, intersection connections, etc.) may be considered.

Final Acceptance
FDOT District One will submit the study to the FDOT Office of Environmental Management (OEM) for Location and Design Concept Acceptance after the study team receives and evaluates comments from the public hearing. The PD&E study phase of the project is completed once the project is accepted by OEM. The phases that follow PD&E study are design of the project, acquisition of right-of-way (if necessary) and construction of proposed improvements. 

FDOT will hold meetings with agencies and stakeholders throughout the study. These meetings will assist the project team with identifying issues, opportunities, and potential transportation solutions for the corridor. Throughout the study process, FDOT will provide presentations to various organizations, and interested citizens may also request a presentation to their group or organization.

FDOT welcomes and appreciates everyone's participation in the project. Meetings are developed in compliance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights act of 1964 and related statues. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.

How can I comment on the study?

We welcome your input. Email your comments to us through the link at the top of the page.