Next Segment of 44th Avenue Expansion Begins Next Week

Construction to extend 44th Avenue East from 45th Street East to I-75, including the critical bridge across the Braden River, begins Monday.

The project is estimated to cost $54.6 million and is the next major link to connect Lakewood Ranch and eastern portions of Manatee County to the area’s Gulf beaches. The 3.27 mile segment begins at 45th Street East, continuing east across the Braden River, and ends one-quarter mile west of the I-75 right-of-way. In addition to a new bridge being constructed across the Braden River, the project  widens 44th Ave East from two to four-lanes and adds multi-use trails, sidewalks and lighting.

Contractor Woodruff & Sons, Inc. of Bradenton was awarded the construction contract in March. Construction is projected to be complete in early 2023.

This project is the fifth section of 44th Avenue East connecting U.S. 41 to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

Roadway improvements on 44th Avenue East will also include bike lanes, divided median, curb and gutter, utilities, drainage infrastructure and stormwater management systems. The bridge over the Braden River will be 0.28 miles in length and will include four travel lanes, shoulders, traffic railing barriers, sidewalk, multi-use trail, and utility space in the middle of the bridge deck to accommodate Manatee County utilities and street lighting.

Additionally, Caruso Road and Morgan Johnson Road will be realigned to create a two-lane signalized intersection at 44th Avenue East. A traffic signal will also be added to the intersection at 44th Avenue East and Creekwood Boulevard. The realigned sections of Caruso Road and Morgan Johnson will be constructed to accommodate a future four-lane intersection as transportation demand grows.

For additional project information, please contact Ogden Clark, Strategic Affairs Manager- Manatee County Public Works Department, at (941) 720-1607, or by email ogden.clark@mymanatee.org. You can also visit the project website at www.44thaveeast.com.
 
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter @ManateeGov.