Updated Aug 11, 2026
Cortez Bridge Construction Begins This September
The Florida Department of Transportation is replacing the Cortez Bridge, the drawbridge connecting Cortez to Bradenton Beach on State Road 684. Construction is set to begin in early September, 2026 and will continue over the next few years as crews build a brand new, modern 65-foot fixed-span bridge to replace the current 1956 structure. Once complete, it will offer smoother, more reliable access to the island for everyone.
What This Means for Your Visit
The good news is that the current drawbridge will stay open and fully operational for most of the construction period, so you’ll still be able to come and go just as you always have. Early work is focused on setting up the construction site, so you may notice some extra equipment and activity near the bridge, but this is all part of the process of bringing a new bridge to the island.
How Construction Will Work
The project will be built in two phases so traffic can keep flowing the whole time. First, crews will build the northern half of the new bridge right next to the existing one. Once that new half is ready, traffic will shift over to it, freeing up the old bridge to come down and the final section of the new span to go up. Throughout both phases, crews will work from the water using barges and temporary platforms, which is how the current bridge will be able to stay open for the majority of construction.
Three Ways On and Off the Island
Anna Maria Island has always had three routes connecting it to the mainland, not just one, so you have plenty of flexibility no matter where you’re coming from:
- Cortez Bridge (SR 684), staying open throughout most of construction
- Manatee Avenue (SR 64), connecting Bradenton straight to Holmes Beach in the heart of the island
- Ernest A. Chapel Bridge (SR 789 / Longboat Pass), connecting from Longboat Key onto the southern tip of the island
With three ways to get here, this project is not something that should factor into your travel plans or your decision to book.
We’re Always Here to Help
If you have any questions about your route, your stay, or anything else, our team is just a phone call away(can this be click to call? 941-877-0410) and always happy to help.
Beyond that, nothing about your Anna Maria Island getaway is changing. The beaches, the sunsets, and the laid-back island charm you booked are all still waiting for you. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Stay Tuned
As we learn more from the DOT, we’ll be updating this blog with any new information, so check back for the latest. In the meantime, you can also follow the official FDOT project page directly.
