MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Dec. 9, 2021) – The Manatee County Public Works Department, in conjunction with the construction contractor Woodruff and Sons Inc., will need to extend the closure of Morgan Johnson Road (57 St. E.) and 44th Avenue East, between 38th Avenue East and Caruso Road (60 St. E.) through Feb. 28, 2022.
This portion of the roadway was closed to motorists on Sept. 13 to allow Woodruff and Sons Inc. to safely complete work on the 44 Ave East Roadway Extension Project. The project will improve existing portions of 44th Avenue East, adding bike lanes, drainage improvements, roadway lighting, and improvements to the wastewater and water utility systems. It will also realign Morgan Johnson Road and 44th Avenue East, south to Caruso Road. Once completed, the 44 Ave East Roadway Extension project will provide an additional east-west connection to residents between Lakewood Ranch and the barrier islands.
The closure was initially planned to be in effect through Dec. 17, 2021. However, work on the 44th Ave E project was paused in early November to allow the contractor to assist with emergency repairs on a damaged water line under the Braden River. Construction crews from Woodruff and Sons Inc. also aided in repairing a leaking sewer line under State Road 70, which caused a depression in the road, west of Lockwood Ridge Rd. (45th St E), from Nov. 29-Dec. 3. This period of construction inactivity and newly added utility work to permanently fix the water line break are contributing factors for why the closure period is to be lengthened.
The closure will remain in effect through Mon., Feb. 28, 2022. The detour utilizing 38th Avenue East and 62nd Street East will continue to be implemented during this period (see map).
Residents are encouraged to learn more about the 44 Avenue East Roadway Extension project at https://44thaveeast.com
Residents with concerns should contact Ogden Clark, Strategic Affairs Manager, at (941) 708-7450 Ext. 7432 or [email protected].