Project Description: The project involves replacing the existing DeSoto Bridge with an in-kind replacement. The new bridge will be similar in length and profile to the existing one. It includes four 12-foot travel lanes (two in each direction) with a concrete barrier separating traffic, 10-foot inside shoulders, and 12-foot outside shoulders for vehicles to pull over if necessary. Additionally, there will be a 12-foot barrier separated shared-use path on both sides of the bridge for bicyclists and pedestrians. The bridge will be built on the east side of the existing bridge and connect to the roadway at similar points as it does today.

Construction Sequencing: During construction of the new bridge, the existing bridge will remain in operation and all lanes will be open to traffic during the peak traffic hours. The existing bridge has two travel lanes in each direction.

The first phase of construction includes building half of the new bridge to the east of the existing bridge. Once this phase is complete, traffic will be shifted to the new bridge which will accommodate two travel lanes in each direction. After traffic has transitioned to the new bridge, the demolition of the old bridge will begin.

Once the old bridge is removed, the second half of the new bridge will be constructed, completing the new structure. Finally, a traffic railing on the east side will be installed and new striping will be applied to the entire bridge so four lanes can be accommodated on the completed bridge structure.

Historical Reference: The DeSoto Bridge (Bridge #130053), built in 1957, is experiencing corrosive deterioration and does not accommodate multi-modal travel. It currently offers 40 feet of vertical clearance and has four lanes, two in each direction. The Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study was completed in 2024. The design phase started in January 2025, where FDOT will finalize the project details and prepare construction documents.

Bradenton-Palmetto Connector: 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

October 19, 2023: Virtual Alternatives Public Meeting

October 17, 2023: In-Person Alternatives Public Meeting

May 25, 2023: Virtual Kickoff Public Meeting

May 23, 2023: Kickoff Public Meeting

April 30, 2024: Public Hearing