Busy West Bradenton Intersection closed through Wednesday Morning due to struck water main
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (February 15, 2022)- The intersection of 29 Ave. W and 59 St. W will remain closed for the afternoon rush-hour while crews from the City of Bradenton, Florida Power & Light, and Manatee County work to repair a broken watermain and downed traffic signal.
At around 9:35 a.m., Manatee County Public Works Department received reports that a private contractor performing directional drilling had struck a City of Bradenton water main. The puncture in the water line led to rapid upwelling, causing erosion and the traffic-signal strain pole to collapse onto nearby power lines. Repair work began shortly after the incident occurred and continues this afternoon as teams work to shut off the water, repair power lines, and install a temporary traffic signal at the location
“This morning, County Traffic Operations crews were called upon to assist with actions to stabilize the area and close the roadway until the water could be shut off.” Chad Butzow, Department Director for Manatee County’s Public Works Department, stated. “Once the water is shut off, and repairs are made, conditions at the intersection will be inspected to determine if the road can be reopened before repairs are made to the traffic signal.”
The G.T. Bray Recreation Center will be closed through the end of today, Feb. 15, due to the incident. The Recreation Center will reopen on Wed., Feb. 16 at 5:30 a.m. The roadway closure is expected to remain in effect throughout the evening. Motorists should monitor the county’s website and social media pages to know when the road will reopen. Motorists should plan to utilize alternate routes and detours on 75 St. West and 51 St. West via 18 Ave. West/ 17 Ave. West or Cortez Rd.