The purpose of this study is to evaluate alternatives for an in-kind replacement of the DeSoto Bridge over the Manatee River. The project is 1.3 miles in length from SR 64 to Haben Boulevard, located within the Cities of Bradenton and Palmetto in Manatee County. The study will determine where and how to build feasible alternatives for the new in-kind replacement bridge, considering their social, economic, natural, and cultural effects.

The current DeSoto Bridge (Bridge #130053) was constructed in 1957. The existing bridge provides 40 feet of vertical clearance over the river and has four lanes, with two in each direction. The new bridge will be similar in length and profile to the existing one. It will also include wider inside and outside shoulders and a barrier separating a new shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicular traffic.

The Bradenton-Palmetto Connector Study will evaluate corridors to provide additional capacity and transportation demand across the Manatee River as part of the regional transportation system, specifically between the Cities of Bradenton and Palmetto and the numerous communities in western Manatee County. A total of ten (10) corridors will be evaluated, including the US 41/DeSoto bridge corridor, during the Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) Study. To learn more about the future capacity improvements and the Bradenton-Palmetto Connector Study, click the following link: https://www.swflroads.com/project/444843-1

The in-person and online/virtual kickoff meeting was held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, and Thursday, May 25, 2023, respectively, to introduce the project and provide an opportunity for the public to offer feedback. The materials displayed during the in-person and online/virtual kickoff meetings are posted under Project Documents and Project Videos.

• Alternatives Public Meeting

  Date: Tuesday, October 17th, 2023
  Start Time: 5:00 pm
  End Time: 7:00 pm

  Join us for an Alternatives Public Meeting in-person on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205, Anytime between 5 - 7 p.m. The alternatives public meeting is being conducted to present information about the preliminary alternatives and provide the opportunity for the public to express their views about the project.

• Virtual Alternatives Public Meeting

  Date: Thursday, October 19th, 2023
  Start Time: 6:00 pm
  End Time: 7:00 pm

  Join us for an Alternatives Public Meeting online Thursday, October 19, 2023, 6-7 p.m. Register in advance: https://tinyurl.com/29tt2vb8. The alternatives public meeting is being conducted to present information about the preliminary alternatives and provide the opportunity for the public to express their views about the project.