Digging into the job slows traffic in Bradenton Beach

Traffic Feb. 23 creeps past construction along Gulf Drive South near Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. Congestion is expected to intensify over the next couple of months, as the spring tourist season builds and the construction work ramps up. Crews will be cutting trenches across Gulf Drive South to accommodate piping for new sewer lines. The Manatee County project involves the replacement of gravity sewer lines between Sixth and 13th streets south. The $7.1 million project is scheduled to be completed in July 2024 and is funded under the Manatee County capital improvement plan. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

The view Feb. 20 looking south along Gulf Drive at Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. Construction by Woodruff & Sons for a $7.1 million county project includes the replacement of gravity sewer lines from Sixth to 13th streets south. The scheduled completion date is July 2024 for the project, which is funded under the county’s capital improvement plan. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

A crew from Woodruff & Sons removes boulders on Gulf Drive near Cortez Beach. Boulders were placed years ago to mediate damage from wind and water. The beach parking lot now is being shared by beachgoers and workers for the construction project but Manatee County opened an overflow parking lot at the south end of Coquina Beach to provide 140 spaces to beachgoers.

Orange construction fencing Feb. 20 separates beachgoers from construction equipment at Cortez Beach. People exiting and entering the beach are encouraged to use a multiuse trail to avoid construction at the Cortez Beach parking area. As of Feb. 20, construction crews were beginning the trenching process near Cortez Beach along Gulf Drive.