After a successful trial run of a system that allows devices on emergency vehicles to control traffic signals while on emergency responses, Manatee County is about to expand its coverage to more intersections, including a few in Lakewood Ranch.
The pilot program for the county’s Emergency Vehicle Preemption system involved 24 intersections along U.S. 41, U.S. 301 and portions of State Road 64 in and around Bradenton and Palmetto. According to Manatee County, the system that has operated since 2024 has been well-received by emergency crews, leading to expansion plans. County commissioners approved those expansion plans on Nov. 4.
In total, 95 more intersections will soon be equipped with the technology. In Lakewood Ranch, the system will be set up at S.R. 64 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, 44th Avenue and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and 44th Avenue and Solutions Lane. Additional intersections west of Lakewood Ranch along 44th Avenue and along SR 64 will also be equipped, the county said…