Sunshine Skyway Construction Set To Begin

BRADENTON, FL — Motorists who travel the Sunshine Skyway will soon notice a buzz of activity in the rest areas. The Florida Department of Transportation announced Thursday that an $18.1 million upgrade project is set to begin Oct. 16.

The improvements involve the construction of new rest areas at the north and south ends of the bridge. Motorists can also expect to see new parking lots with LED lighting at both locations. In Manatee County, the rest area’s seawall will also be extended to make way for a new picnic pavilion, FDOT said in announcing the work. (For more local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Bradenton Patch. Click here to find your local Florida Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

State officials say the Pinellas County rest area will be the first to close for work. It will remain closed until all work is complete. At that time, the Manatee County rest area will close.

“One rest area will remain open at all times,” FDOT promised.

Lane closures are not planned during the construction, which is expected to be finished sometime in the fall of 2019. The state, however, said temporary closings may be required occasionally to accommodate material deliveries.

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Photo of the Skyway Bridge courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol