Going to and from Anna Maria Island could take longer than usual this week, FDOT says

Travelers seeking a trip to Anna Maria Island’s beaches, shopping and restaurants should prepare for a bit more time to reach their destination.

That’s because repairs of a water main along the Manatee Avenue bridge onto Anna Maria Island started Monday morning, according to a news release.

Motorists seeking access via State Road 64 will experience alternating one-way traffic across the bridge through 5:30 p.m. as one side of the bridge is closed, the release said.

The work is scheduled Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

“This lane closure is expected to last all week and is necessary so that Manatee County can make emergency water main repairs,” the Florida Department of Transportation said in a Monday afternoon press release.

Repair work to the water main is not possible at night due to safety concerns, the release said.

“We’re working hard to get this done by Friday so there’s no impact over the Fourth of July weekend,” said Bill Logan, the county’s public information officer.

Lane closed on Anna Maria Island Bridge

Pedestrian access to the southern sidewalk is also restricted during the repair work time and further lane closures might be necessary in the following weeks, with potential future closures announced as needed, the release said.

Those wishing to avoid the one-way traffic lanes at the north end of the island can find alternate routes via the Cortez Bridge or the John Ringling Bridge in Sarasota.

Boaters must stay in the channel when navigating under the bridge and avoid warning buoys, the release said.

Manatee County’s news release said they don’t anticipate customers losing any service, however, residents will get notified if service interruptions are necessary.