Florida DOT widening State Road 64

The Florida Department of Transportation is readying to start improvements to State Road 64 in eastern Manatee County.

The FDOT has awarded a $12.7 million contract to Naples-based Better Roads Inc. to widen 2.5 miles of State Road 64. Construction is expected to start in March.

The project will provide six lanes from downtown Bradenton, to the Gulf, to Interstate 75. The project will also allow for two more lanes in the future, says FDOT spokeswoman Lauren Hatchell.