Kids & Family

'Build the Bridge,' Urge Readers About Fort Hamer Span – Agree?

Is the verdict in? Several Bradenton Patch readers made convincing arguments about why the bridge across the Manatee River is needed from Parrish to Bradenton.

Will a Fort Hamer bridge span make a difference in the lives of residents?

Heck, yeah!

 That's the answer from many readers of the Bradenton Patch about a proposal to extend a bridge across the Manatee River from Fort Hamer in Parrish to the Waterlefe Golf and River Club community in Bradenton

April Warenchak said: "We really need the bridge! I live in Parrish and often travel to the East end of SR-64 in Bradenton. I can take the highway, but to get to the highway I have to go so far out of my way. Travel easily takes 10-15 minutes longer than it should, and this bridge would definitely help!"

Likewise, Melissa Hall exclaims: "Build the bridge!"

"I live off of Moccasin Wallow and 301 in Parrish. My kids go to school at Lakewood Ranch HS. They drive 18 miles to school and 18 miles home because they have to use the Rye Rd bridge. The Ft Hamer bridge would save a lot of time and gas."

Jannine Gregor added: "Yes, we need a bridge. Rye Bridge is so far out. I just wish the bridge would be built with bike lanes and a walking area. It would be appreciated if the area could become truly walkable. "

But there are others who say: Leave well enough alone.

Karen Krabbe Achenback wrote: "No bridge. If you dont like traveling, you should have purchased in the city."

Hootnanny added: "Took me an hour to get over the Desoto Bridge this morning. Take the money proposed for this useless Fort Hammer Bridge and add 2 lanes to the Desoto Bridge."

But others continued with their well-reasoned arguments:

Tim Keasbey said: "It is a no-brainer, the bridge is a necessity for public safety that can't be trivialized as above. The state has made it a priority to create alternate north/south routes to 75 which we all should applaud. The Rye Road "alternative" was never really a practical alternative for a variety of reasons."



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