At the beginning of the year, the state started a $1.6 million project on U.S. 41 in Bradenton.

Signals were upgraded, drainage improved and several new pedestrian refuge islands were installed as a way to help get people safely across the busy six-lane highway.

Even so, many people think the project stopped short. The south end of the street is still in desperate need of safe sidewalks.

In many instances, the new refuge islands are available to help pedestrians. Yet, they are not connected via painted crosswalk, nor are there any sidewalks on either side of the road. Existing sidewalks stop suddenly or are completely broken up, making the walk hazardous.

Terrance McGee rides his bike there and says he can't ride in the street because of the heavy traffic. The sidewalk has not proved to be any safer.

"I was riding and hit a bump, and I flipped and went down and busted my knee," he said.

It appears as though the south end of U.S. 41 has been forgotten. However, according to Florida Department of Transportation spokesperson Robin Stublin, a new project should help fix many of these issues.

"In early January, we'll start a new project to install sidewalks along U.S. 41 from 63rd Avenue to 53rd Avenue," Stublin said. "Additionally, we'll improve the lighting and drainage at the intersection with Bayshore Gardens Parkway."

That project should be finished this summer at a cost of $1.5 million.