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Officials discuss DeSoto Bridge replacement, Bradenton‑Palmetto corridor PD&E and flyover option
Summary
County and city leaders reviewed FDOT’s PD&E work on capacity alternatives across the Manatee River, described proposed DeSoto Bridge replacement features and debated whether to endorse a flyover alignment to increase north‑south throughput.
County and municipal leaders at a March 3 joint meeting reviewed ongoing Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) planning and environmental (PD&E) work for the Bradenton‑Palmetto corridor and the DeSoto Bridge replacement.
FDOT consultant remarks summarized the design concept for a proposed DeSoto Bridge replacement: four 12‑foot travel lanes, a concrete median, inside shoulders and a 10‑foot pedestrian/bicycle path on both sides. County staff said the DeSoto replacement project could be bid next January and that the PD&E corridor study is expected to finish in about 12 months.
Why it matters: The DeSoto Bridge carries traffic between Bradenton and Palmetto; the replacement and corridor alternatives will determine how much additional vehicle, transit and multimodal capacity is added north and south of the river. Commission and mayoral comments indicated the project could be contentious because it affects neighborhoods on both sides.
Speakers described two concurrent efforts: the Desoto Bridge replacement (condition and resilience work) and the Bradenton‑Palmetto PD&E corridor study, which evaluates alternative alignments and additional capacity north and south of the river. County staff said the corridor study has advanced past early stages, removed several alternatives and may further narrow the list to two or three options as the PD&E proceeds.
Several commissioners and Palmetto and Bradenton elected officials said they favor endorsing a bridge alignment that provides additional vehicle throughput (a “flyover” option) once FDOT narrows alternatives, while FDOT staff cautioned against predetermining a preference before the NEPA‑required process is complete. Mayor Jean Brown of Bradenton told the meeting that local leaders should be unanimous when the time comes to support an alternative to avoid costly litigation and delay; she urged patience with the federal/state NEPA process to avoid redoing work.
Commissioners discussed timeframes and next steps. County staff said the PD&E could be complete in roughly 12 months; one county official estimated the bridge procurement would be scheduled to bid in January (a date reported during discussion), though FDOT controls construction programming and funding.
Ending: County and city officials said they will continue coordinating with FDOT, monitor PD&E milestones and consider a joint endorsement once the corridor study reaches a point where alternatives are narrowed and the legal process permits public support.
