FDOT announces future Cortez Bridge design

Renderings show the final designs for the Florida Department of Transportation’s planned fixed-span bridge on Cortez Road, spanning the Intracoastal Waterway and connecting the village of Cortez and Bradenton Beach. The DOT has announced it will begin construction in November, following the completion of a related Manatee County utility relocation project. The bridge will be built in two phases to maintain traffic throughout construction. During Phase 1, crews will construct the northern half of the new bridge alongside the drawbridge. Once completed, traffic will be shifted onto the new bridge, allowing Phase 2 to begin. Phase 2 includes the demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a remaining portion of the new bridge. Islander Courtesy Photos