44th Avenue East Extension CMAR
Bradenton, Florida
Merit Award
Sent by: SEMA Construction Inc.
Owner: Manatee County Department of Public Works
Main design company: HDR Inc.
General contractor: SEMA Construction Inc.
As the final segment of a multiphase program, this two-mile arterial road completed a long-planned east-west corridor between Interstate 75 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
The crossing was originally planned as a land causeway, but early contractor involvement through the CMAR process led to an alternative 1,800-foot bridge built using marine construction methods, preserving reservoir operations, reducing environmental impacts and saving more than $12 million.
Construction of the I-75 overpass over live traffic required an innovative traffic plan that minimized lane closures. Detailed lift planning, coordinated night work and early simulations near high-voltage and transit lines ensured safe construction.
Crested eagle wetlands, protected habitats, and nesting areas required phased permits and adaptive sequencing. Several hurricanes, including Milton, impacted during construction, but proactive storm preparation and quick recovery minimized impacts. Crews also overcame unsuitable soils and major utility conflicts along the corridor.
The $160 million project opened in August 2025, nine months ahead of schedule.
The final version is approximately 35-40% shorter than the originally planned crossing, but retains the main engineering, environmental and schedule objectives through a bridge-mounted crossing, dam installation and phased drilling and sequencing.
