More work is being done to improve Manatee County’s well-loved beaches.

In a few weeks, the three large pier-like structures will be replaced.

The groins, located on Bradenton Beach, are not in good shape. They’ve been there for decades and have deteriorated.

To help keep beachgoers safe and at the same time protect the beaches, the county has decided to remove them and add new ones.

“We kind of wanted to go out on it, but the gates are up,” said Tara Wiewel, who is visiting Anna Maria Island from Illinois. “It would be nice to see the view and the beach.”

In the past, you could walk and fish on the groins. Now beachgoers are met with danger signs at the entrance of the large structures.

Recently, a huge sand renourishment project finished on the island. County officials say the new groins are needed to help keep the sand on the beaches. Once the work begins, it’s expected to take around 9 months to complete.

The project is expected to cost between $5 and $6 million. The money will come from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and taxes collected from tourists. The work should be getting started sometime this winter.

It will be done from the water with a barge and is not expected not to interfere with tourism.