AAA predicts 37.2 million travelers over the Memorial Day weekend, a 4.7 percent increase from last year. About 88.6 percent of those travelers — 33 million nationwide — will be in automobiles.
There’s a good chance many in this area will be motoring to the Gulf of Mexico coast for a beach holiday, leading transit and public safety officials encourage people to drive at safe speeds, stay alert and exercise patience in slow-moving traffic.
Bus transportation to and on Anna Maria Island also is available to ease congestion. The fare-free island trolley operates 6 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week. A Manatee Avenue beach express bus brings beachgoers to the island 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sundays and holidays.
The Florida Department of Transportation issued the following alert for motorists driving in the area:
• SR 789 at the Longboat Key Drawbridge, Bradenton Beach: Crews are working on the bridge. Expect intermittent north and southbound lane closures 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, May 22; Tuesday, May 26; Thursday, May 28; Thursday, June 4; Friday, June 5; and Tuesday, June 9.
• SR 684 at 103rd Street, Bradenton: Crews are installing a concrete pole. Expect daytime eastbound outside lane closures 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, May 19.
• SR 684 West of Palma Sola Boulevard, Bradenton: Crews are installing a concrete pole. Expect daytime eastbound outside lane closures 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22.
For the latest roadwatch information, people can go online to www.fl511.com or dial 511.