Manatee County is nearing completion on a nearly 18-month-long sewer project along Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach.
County public information officer Bill Logan, in a June 24 email to The Islander, said public works would complete its final walk-through this month.
The $7.1 million project, which commenced in January 2023, involved the installation of a mile of new 10-inch and 8-inch gravity mains, 21 sewer holes and around 100 6-inch laterals extending to homes on the side streets from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South along Gulf Drive
The goal was to minimize the risk of pipe failures and leaks.
The result was an almost daily north-south traffic snarl during peak traffic from and to Longboat Key and Coquina Beach.
A county update June 21 said repaving on Sixth Street South and Seventh Street South was complete and the roadways were open to traffic. Residents now have access to their driveways.
Logan said the project as of June 24 was 2-3 months ahead of schedule.
Additionally, Gulf Drive South from Sixth Street South to 13th Street South, underwent paving and reopened to traffic June 19.
The project also included the installation of new rectangular rapid-flashing beacon crosswalks at 11th Street South and Ninth Street South, which are expected to be operational later this month.
The county advises pedestrians to use activated crosswalks at Fifth Street South and south of 13th Street South near the Coquina North Boat Ramp, 1507 Gulf Drive S. when crossing Gulf Drive.
The remaining project phases will focus on side-street improvements and restoring parking areas on the west side of Gulf Drive South.