The Build Alternative was selected as the Preferred Alternative. This section includes a description of the design features of the Preferred Alternative. Concept plans for the Preferred Alternative are attached to Appendix B of this report. Section 5.4 of this document also provides additional information on the proposed improvements.

The engineering details of the Preferred Alternative are listed below.

The Preferred Alternative typical section generally consists of widening the roadway from 4 to 6 lanes, providing multimodal accommodations (Shared Use Path and Sidewalk), drainage improvement, and adding two elevated proposed express lanes on a viaduct supported by median piers. Descriptions of the Preferred alternative typical sections in detail can be found in Section 5.4 of this report. Additionally, a Typical Section Package is included as Appendix A.

The implementation of the Build Alternative is well-suited to incremental phasing commensurate with project priorities, mitigation measures, and available funding. Given the need to replace the existing DeSoto Bridge over the Manatee River due to its deteriorating condition, the highest priority is to replace the bridge and upgrade the associated roadway approaches.

In response to this priority, the Interim Improvements was developed to serve as the initial phase of the Build Alternative. The Interim Improvements does not include proposed express lanes; rather, it focuses on replacing the DeSoto Bridge and widening the adjacent roadway. The replacement would increase the capacity of the general-use lanes from four to six between westbound SR 64 and 17th St East, provide stormwater management facilities and floodplain compensation sites, and add shared-use paths and sidewalks.

In addition to addressing the immediate physical needs of the DeSoto Bridge, the Interim Improvements provide initial roadway capacity improvements, enhancement of the multimodal network, and operational and safety benefits to travelers in the corridor.

The southern limit at westbound SR 64 was selected because it provides sufficient length to transition from the existing lane arrangements south of westbound SR 64 to the southern end of the DeSoto Bridge. Proposed improvements include widening the general-use lanes on US 41 north of westbound SR 64 from four to six, implementing stormwater management facilities and floodplain compensation sites, providing a sidewalk on both sides of US 41 north of westbound SR 64.

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