Manatee County
Fort Hamer Bridge
and Road Improvements
Fort Hamer Bridge
and Road Improvements
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Fort Hamer Road provides a crucial north-south connection across the Manatee River. The purpose of the PD&E study was to evaluate and document the engineering and environmental effects of proposed improvements needed to relieve existing traffic congestion along Fort Hamer Road from Upper Manatee River Road to US 301 and accommodate future travel demand projected as a result of area-wide population and employment growth. Other goals of the improvements included enhancing safety conditions and accommodating multimodal activity.
A PD&E Study is the formal process that develops and compares alternatives to determine a preferred action that meets project needs, while minimizing impacts to the social, cultural, natural, and physical environments. Engaging the public by sharing and receiving information is a key component of this process and is required by NEPA.
The PD&E study was funded through Manatee County’s approved Capital Improvement Plan. Other phases of the project will utilize a combination of County, State, and Federal funds.
The PD&E study began in June 2023 and concluded in July 2025. Manatee County is proceeding with the design and permitting of the project, which is anticipated to be completed in late 2026. At this time, no timeline has been established for right-of-way acquisition or construction, as these project phases are not fully funded.
Proposed improvements include widening the existing two-lane undivided roadway to a four-lane divided roadway from Upper Manatee River Road to US 301. The roadway typical section includes four 11-foot travel lanes, 22-foot raised median, 6-foot designated bike lanes in each direction, a 6-foot-wide sidewalk on the east side of the roadway, and a 10-foot shared-use path on the west side of the roadway.
The project also includes a new bridge parallel to the existing bridge. The proposed bridge typical section includes four 11-foot travel lanes, wide outside shoulders for the bike lanes in each direction, a 12-foot shared-use path on the west side of the bridge, and a sidewalk on the east side of the bridge.
New roundabout intersections will be provided at Rive Isle Run, Mullholland Road, Old Tampa Road, and Golf Course Road. Additional improvements include closed drainage systems where stormwater is collected in underground storm pipes and directed to new ponds. Lighting and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) communications will be provided to improve safety and efficiency through the corridor.
The project extends on Fort Hamer Road from Upper Manatee River Road north approximately 3.8 miles to US 301.
Alternatives to be evaluated as part of this PD&E study included widening the existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane roadway with a raised median. The project may also include a shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians, sidewalks, and new roundabout intersections.
Throughout the duration of the study, a “no-build” alternative was also considered. The no-build alternative assumes that no improvements are made to Fort Hamer Road, other than routine maintenance.
Interested parties can be added to the mailing list by emailing info@forthamerroad.com or by completing the Contact Form on the Contact page.
Please visit the Manatee County Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) page for more information.
Any maintenance or infrastructure concerns related to Manatee County can be submitted online by visiting the Public Works Department Manatee 311 page.
The documents below are part of this project’s document archive. They are retained for reference and record keeping purposes only and are no longer actively maintained or updated. These documents were created prior to April 26th, 2026 and may not meet current web accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1, Level AA).
If you need any of these documents in an accessible format, please contact info@forthamerroad.com or 941-708-7450 Ext. 7338. We will provide an accessible version promptly upon request.
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