Supply chain delays Anna Maria Island Bridge water main work

One step forward, two steps back.

Additional work to replace a temporary water main across the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue was postponed by the county to late September or October due to delays in acquiring materials, according to a Sept. 1 news release.

The news came just over a week after an Aug. 23 announcement that Bradenton-based Lovin Contracting would begin work on the repairs Sept. 6, and take two-three weeks to complete.

The postponed work involves the temporary pipeline installed across the bridge in June to replace the failed 16-inch water main that carried potable water from the mainland to Holmes Beach.

The previous water main was installed in 1982 and collapsed into Anna Maria Sound in July due to corrosion and failing hangers on the east end.

After its collapse, Bradenton-based Woodruff & Sons installed a new pipeline across the bridge to carry potable water to Holmes Beach.

The postponed work will involve the installation of about 90 additional pipeline support hangers along the eastern half of the bridge, where the existing, original water main remains hanging along the bridge undercarriage.

The temporary pipeline is positioned on top of the western half of the bridge’s south sidewalk, where it will remain for about two years before a subaqueous pipeline is installed to replace the water main.

People can learn more on the county government’s website, mymanatee.org or by calling 941-748-4501.