BRADENTON BEACH – Motorists can expect to encounter delays at some point next week if traveling on Gulf Drive near Fifth Street South and Sixth Street South in Bradenton Beach.
The one-day lane closure of one of the two Gulf Drive travel lanes was previously scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11. Late last week, the lane closure was rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18. On Monday, Feb. 10, Manatee County issued a press release stating the Gulf Drive lane closure is still expected next week, but the exact date was not yet known.
“The date of the work is dependent on the weather and progress of the work crews. An exact date for the lane closure will be announced on the county’s road closure site and on Twitter @manateegov and @PW_Manateegov,” according to the press release.
“The temporary lane closure will begin one morning next week and should be complete later the same day. Motorists traveling both northbound and southbound on Gulf Drive South/SR 789 should allow extra time to get to their destinations.
“Crews working on the wastewater system improvement project are installing a manhole on Gulf Drive just north of Fifth Street South. Due to the narrow nature of the road and limited space available in the work area, the contractor has determined the need for this temporary lane closure to ensure the safety of motorists and workers. Flagmen will be stationed at Fifth Street South and Sixth Street South to manage traffic flow,” according to the release.
Residents with concerns are advised to call Strategic Affairs Manager Ogden Clark at 941-708-7450 ext. 7432 or email him at ogden.clark@mymanatee.org.
When implemented, the temporary lane closure will occur where both Gulf Drive travel lanes are currently shifted to the west to accommodate the work taking place in association with the county’s force main replacement project. Enacted approximately two weeks ago, the temporary lane shifts currently result in southbound traffic being directed onto the unpaved Cortez Beach parking lot.
