Cortez Bridge Utility Project Prompts Road and Sidewalk Closures Through Summer
Manatee County has announced a new phase of closures and detours related to the Cortez Bridge Utility Relocation Project, beginning Monday, April 21. The work will continue into early summer, impacting traffic and pedestrian access near the construction site.
As part of the utility relocation effort, 127th Street West will be closed to vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians on the north side of Cortez Road West through to 126th Street West. This closure allows contractors to install underground pipes and related infrastructure safely.
Contractors will also be working along the east and west sides of the Cortez Bridge and conducting pipe installations that cross beneath Cortez Road West. The north and south sidewalks on Cortez Road West within the affected area will be closed for the duration of the project, and detour signs will be posted to help direct traffic.
In addition, a new water main pipe is being installed on the north side of Cortez Road West, stretching from 127th Street West to 124th Court West. As part of this long-term infrastructure improvement, the northern shoulder of 124th Court West will remain closed through the summer of 2025.
Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are encouraged to plan alternate routes and use caution when traveling near the project area.
