The scenic rest areas on both sides of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge are about to get a face lift -- an $18.1 million face lift.
- Project should be complete in fall 2018
- New restrooms, parking areas in works
- Project will cost more than $18 million
Both are being rebuilt to include new rest rooms, visitor information and parking areas with LED lighting.
Lauren Hatchell, Florida Department of Transportation spokeswoman, said additional improvements are also in the works.
"On the Manatee County side, we also have some seawall repairs that we'll be making and extending portions of the seawall to accommodate a new picnic pavilion," Hatchell said.
Pete Delgado volunteers for Share the Love Veteran Foundation. He is at the rest area on the Manatee County side everyday, collecting donations for his organization.
"A lot of people come here to use the picnic area. A lot of people come to sit down and enjoy the day with their family," Delgado said. "There's a lot of fishing going on around here."
The southbound rest area, in Pinellas County, is currently closed. Demolition begins Oct. 16. Once work is complete there, the northbound side will be closed for renovation.
The project should wrap up in the fall of 2018.