a clear span over the RR ROW. The elevated viaduct structure is proposed to have 100-foot to 200-foot typical spans with potential for 250-foot spans at major intersections.

MSE retaining walls are anticipated to be utilized to eliminate the use of embankment slopes and limit the need for additional right-of-way. The span arrangement and wall layout will be further evaluated during the design phase and documented in the BDR.

The horizontal alignment of the roadway mirrors that of the existing road. The DeSoto Bridge shifts the centerline of the new bridge to the east of the existing bridge to facilitate phased construction of the bridge.

The vertical alignment of the bridges are based on a vertical clearance evaluation that considers the purpose and need for the project, impacts on both the north and south, channel location (if applicable) and topography, surrounding resources, maintenance, and connectivity. For the DeSoto Bridge the preliminary clearance determination received from our USCG coordination meeting in February 2024 noted that a minimum vertical clearance of 40 feet above MHW for a fixed bridge would meet the reasonable needs of navigation for this bridge crossing. The other bridges will have a vertical clearance that meet the FDOT FDM.

The Transportation Management Plan outlines a phased construction approach designed to maximize the number of lanes open to traffic at all times minimizing disruptions to motorists, adjacent properties, and overall corridor operations. Phase I will keep the existing two-lane traffic on its current alignment while crews widen the roadway and sidewalk to the outside to provide one operational southbound travel lane and associated shoulders for use in Phase II; this strategy ensures that early construction activities proceed without affecting current traffic operations. In Phase II, southbound traffic will be shifted onto the newly built southbound lane and bridge, allowing construction to advance on the remaining elements of the proposed bridge structure as well as the northbound roadway improvements. Phase III will then transition traffic onto the newly completed roadway and bridge to facilitate completion of the remaining northbound roadway work and the demolition and removal of the existing bascule bridge. Finally, Phase IV will focus on applying the final roadway friction course and installing the permanent pavement markings, completing the corridor's operational and safety enhancements. Further coordination will be necessary with Manatee Memorial Hospital and Manatee County Emergency Services during the final design phase to ensure uninterrupted access to the hospital is maintained throughout the construction period. Coordinating with local emergency service providers is critical for facilitating accommodation and planning for emergency vehicle routes during construction. It is anticipated

Page | 83