The 44th Avenue East Extension Project will increase road capacity for 36,000 more vehicles daily, provide alternate routes for local traffic, improve traffic capacity and alleviate congestion on I-75. The six-phase project has been a significant undertaking by Manatee County with the Florida Department of Transportation. Initially a part of the 1968 Concept Development Plan, the project was later incorporated into the Mantatee County 1989 Comprehensive Plan and adopted Capital Improvements Plan.
EXP has provided Manatee County with construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for the 44th Ave East over I-75 Flyover Bridge. This project involves a Construction Manager at Risk delivery method and is being delivered on an aggressive 365-day completion schedule.
The final phase of the project encompasses 1.9 miles of new roadway extending from east of I-75 across the 380’ flyover bridge to the existing intersection with Solutions Lane, continuing across the County Southeast Water Reclamation Facility. This segment includes a four-lane road, bike lanes, a divided median, curb and gutter, a pedestrian sidewalk, street lighting, utilities, drainage infrastructure and stormwater management systems.
The EXP team coordinated with local and state agencies to address and mitigate potential community and environmental impacts. Through extensive planning and innovation, the team maintained transportation operations and mobility during construction, prioritizing safety and ease of transportation for residents.
The project brought erection of 190’ steel bridge girders over I-75, setting the stay-in-place formwork, reinforcing steel placement, concreting of the bridge deck and completion of mechanically stabilized earth walls. Upon completion, the project will reduce traffic demand on parallel thoroughfares (SR 64 and SR 70) by a combined 21,000 vehicles per day, while delivering a new overpass over I-75 and a bridge connecting Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.
Services
Materials Testing, Program + Project Management, Public Involvement