Sarasota Connectivity
THECITYALLIANCE is affliated with the Assignment Downtown Council, the coalition of residents, property owners, businesses, professionals, merchants, cultural, civic,and arts groups for a vibrant, sustainable City of Sarasota.US 41 Bayfront Corridor 10th/14th Roundabouts in progress
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has begun the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study of the US41 corridor with roundabouts at 10th and 14th in Sarasota.
The study is part of an overall plan to enhance mobility within downtown Sarasota. Improvements under consideration from a previous design concept include: roundabouts with islands for pedestrian refuge on US 41 at the intersections of 10th and 14th Street, enhanced pedestrian walkways, enhanced bicycle and transit facilities, enhanced landscaping, a speed limit reduction, and narrower travel lanes. The goal of the study is to improve and enhance accessibility for multiple modes of transportation.
The Project Development and Environment Study is scheduled for completion by May 2012. The design phase of the project is not currently programmed in the adopted FDOT 5-Year Work Program. The intersection improvements along US 41 at 10th and 14th Streets are identified as a financially feasible project within the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and is consistent with the Sarasota City Plan 2030 (effectively the City of Sarasota’s Comprehensive Plan) and the Downtown Master Plan in that it contributes to implementing objectives to strengthen connectivity between the bayfront and downtown.
FDOT will conduct a public involvement program that includes federal, regional, and local agencies, local elected and appointed officials, property owners, interested parties and local media. Newsletters will be mailed at key times during the study process to provide updates on the project’s progress. Two workshops and a public hearing will be conducted during the PD&E Study. You will be notified in advance of any public information workshops or hearings. FDOT staff is available to provide project briefings upon request.
Please contact Nicole Harris, Project Manager, at (863) 519-2373 if you have any questions or need additional information.
For detail click FDOT US41 Sarasota website
District Secretary
District One
Florida Department of Transportation
(863) 519-2201, Fax (863) 534-7265
Two Decades Ago MPO Forefathers Brought Forth a New Priority ….
6 27 2011 9:30 a.m. remarks to the MPO Board – with apology to Mr. Lincoln
Two Decades ago our Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) forefathers brought forth a New Priority – widen the Venice Bypass. Conceived by Venice, and dedicated to the proposition that customers more quickly avoid Venice.
Now we are engaged in a great MPO dilemma, testing whether widening so conceived and so dedicated should endure along what became a retail business corridor disrupted by intersections. Testing what seemed like a good idea at the time. Whether to practice that past, or more safely move more through more quickly with today’s best practice.
It is altogether fitting and proper that we do this … MPO funds being so limited.
The Bradenton Times will little note nor long remember what we say here today …. But never forget: once widened, forever widened, private property taken from the tax base forever, drivers forever accelerating/idling/braking/accelerating over and over and over. Wasting time, wasting fuel, polluting the air – on into eons. The legacy of this MPO left for future MPO boards.
Rather, let this MPO Board be dedicated to the great task remaining before you, the unfinished work of better mobility for the most people soonest … with increased devotion to the Federal Highway Administration word that came down “Wide Nodes, Narrow Road.” It’s the joints, not the pipe. An MPO applying a full measure of best multimodal practice.
That Venice shall have its ByPass upgrade, with the congestion relief and better travel time Venice has earned and deserves. That Venice shall not suffer in vain waiting for red lights to turn green.
That this MPO shall not delay another five years, but here now highly resolve to give new birth to your adopted mission: your 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRPT) for US41 as a multimodal corridor from Parish to the Charlotte county line. So that which you nobly advance for Manatee and Sarasota mobility shall not perish … ever.
US41 Simple Truth
What does $54 million dollars buy? Really?
Remarks to MPO April 25 :
How much congestion relief? How much travel time, safety, business stimulation — along a US41 Venice ByPass commercial corridor widened to six lanes with STOPlights? How much bang for $54 million bucks?
(actually six lanes become more than 9 lanes stretching more than 3 football fields long 40 yards wide into just one intersection’s traffic signals — the School Crossing at Venice Ave).
We’ve given you evidence, that, instead, at less cost, a four-lane multimodal corridor with STOPlights replaced by modern will more safely deliver better congestion relief, better travel time, better sales.
We’ve sent you back-up for Simple Truths. Crossing traffic defeats widening. A Goofy cartoon to illustrate at SarasotaConnectivity.com.
Simple Truth: Added lanes add accidents. More lanes increase driver error opportunity. Six lanes –62% more accidents than four lanes.
Simple Truth: Six lanes make businesses more dependent on one direction of traffic flow, — four lanes with modern roundabouts get businesses better noticed, easier access, more sales.
What overriding case do you have that STOPlighted six lanes are better? What before and after mobility impact with six lanes? That data is missing. How much bang for that buck? Let’s have it.
If before & after mobility data for six-lanes with signals overrides the benefits of multimodal modern roundabouts,and worth $36 million in ROW taken from the tax base … show it … & go for it.
Prove different: This retail section will flow better, be less congested, as four-lane multimodal — like the MPO has re-directed the four-lane southern segment of US41 Venice ByPass, with modern roundabouts fairly evaluated for the intersections.
With a valid comparison of before and after mobility impact four lanes vs six lanes – with signals — or modern roundabouts.
1) the MPO cost/benefit mission of safer smoother traffic flow soonest is best met,
2) Venice residents’ deserved congestion relief is best served, and
3) The multimodal principles of the Sarasota Manatee MPO’s adopted 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan best honored,
Rod Warner
Sarasota County Representative
MPO CAC
The DOT describes Modern Roundabouts – the State of Washington DOT !
A superior look at modern roundabouts by watching WSDOT’s five-part video series, click each title:
* Roundabouts: What they are and what they are not.
* Roundabouts: How do I drive a roundabout?
* Roundabouts: Pedestrians and cyclists
* Roundabouts: Safety benefits
* Roundabouts: What does this mean for me?
Multimodal? Whazzat?
Given the regional Sarasota Manatee geographic location connecting traditional downtowns, beaches, and centers of education, cultural, and social activity, the “US 41 Multimodal Emphasis Corridor” has been identified as a “financially feasible” option in the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan being considered by elected officials both Manatee and Sarasota counties. This US 41 corridor extends from Palmetto to the Charlotte County line.
The MPO Board hired the Renaissance Planning Group’s Whit Blanton to gather, through a long a process of public and staff input, the “financially feasible” roadway choices for the region. That exercise includes an option for the MPO board to focus forward on the US 41 Corridor as “multimodal.”
Whit provides the following description of “multimodal:” “Multimodal” means to apply the latest advances in “complete street” and “context sensitive” roadway design. Applied, those designs can improve safety and accessibility that balances the competing needs of all users of the roadway, to resolve “conflict of use.”
The Multimodal Emphasis Corridor segments could include landscaped medians, lane modifications (narrower or fewer lanes), better signage, pavement markings, intersection modifications (modern roundabouts or monitored traffic signals continuously adjusted to demand), wider sidewalks and bike lanes, on-street parking, transit facilities, curb extensions, and other measures. The multimodal mobility features fit the character and right-of-way constraints for each segment. Specifics for each of 10 corridor segments would be determined in consultation with the Florida Dept of Transportation, local government jurisdictions along the corridor, local businesses and property owners, as well as the public.
Possible Multimodal US41 Corridor Improvements:
Roadway
- Roadway reconstruction to reduce long-term maintenance liabilities.
- Improved operational and traffic flow through intersections and roundabouts that both slow traffic and facilitate its flow.
- Roadway improvements which support multi-occupant vehicle use.
- Roadway-related (functional efficiency/safety) improvements.
- Signal coordination optimization based on current traffic flow patterns.
Pedestrian
- Complete segments of missing sidewalks to provide direct and continuous connections between destinations and to transit.
- Adding enhanced pedestrian crossings at strategic locations.
- Installation of pedestrian signals and crossing countdown heads.
Bicycle
- Complete missing bicycle trails and bicycle lanes to provide direct and continuous connections.
- Safe connections at high volume locations by under/overpasses.
- Provide bicycle route signage.
Transit
- Construct enhancements at key transit stops to include, at a minimum, transit signs and pavement platforms. At higher demand transit stops, shelters, benches and trash receptacles.
- Operational system efficiency such as ITS/ up-to-the-minute technology, bus bypass lanes, bus signal prioritization.
All to say, whether on wheels or on foot, whether destination beyond or across the street, a multimodal corridor considers the mobility needs of all users for smooth, safe, traffic flow that preserves or improves travel time by creating a roadway setting that’s context sensitive, attractive, functioning, and sustainable – where driver and walker enjoy the route to where they are going.
For Sarasota, US41 “Bayfront Connectivity” (4 lanes retained) resulted from a thorough process of public input via charrettes, with city planners and consultant direction, to reach Sarasota City’s adopted US 41 corridor plan that anticipates 6 roundabouts along about 2 miles of the Bayfront. North Trail is beginning the same planning process. Similarly, Bradenton just completed a Downtown Mobility study that included all users: local and through drivers and walkers/runners.
Perhaps Venice is due for that kind of a major re-think, re-purpose of the US41VeniceBypass.
~ Rod Warner, Connectivity Chair, THECITYALLIANCE
Honore Ave Roundabouts Opening !
Map of Honore Ave Roundabout Locations
Colonial Oaks, Camus, & Sawgrass (at Fruitville School) are open, others on their way as Honore Ave extension construction continues between Bee Ridge Rd and Fruitville Rd.
New Five Points Roundabout
New roundabout at Five Points, downtown Sarasota, which opened ahead of schedule, should provide much easier crossing opportunities for pedestrians, according to the Downtown Sarasota Alliance, as the roundabout has pedestrian islands on each of its legs. Photo by Norman Schimmel, Pelican Press, August 19, 2010.
FIVE POINTS ROUNDABOUT REALITY
Letter to the Editor, Herald Tribune, Sunday, August 15
> What a joy to navigate our handsome new roundabout at Five Points in downtown Sarasota!
No more unsightly traffic lights dangling in the breeze — and no more waiting for them to turn green!
It’s been seven-and-a-half years since my letter advocating this project appeared in these columns; amazingly, it took only about five weeks to pull off this splendid job. Thanks to all parties involved are certainly very much in order.
Hopefully, most of the public will share my enthusiasm and get on the roundabout bandwagon. There are so many other intersections also crying out to become circularized. This is the kind of infrastructure improvement our country needs, as it not only improves traffic flow, safety and aesthetics, but also saves electric power and maintenance expense.
Ernest R. Kretzmer
Lido Key
REACTIONS TO FIVE POINTS ROUNDABOUT
I drove thru the new roundabout last night at 5:00pm. Fantastic. Very smooth and no “tension”.
The downtown “crowd” was there watching from the curb, so I stopped and watched for about 30 min. Traffic just smoothly flowed thru with no backup. Once time there was actually three cars “backed up” coming in from upper main (westbound), but it cleared out in less than 10 seconds!!!
The combination of the roundabout and the bricks, changes the “scale”. The road now belongs as much to the pedestrian as to the car. It’s about a 50/50 relationship, where before the car was clearly dominate. We’ve experienced the same “phenomena” on Golden Gate Point, with the curvy road and bricks. The pedestrian now feels on an equal footing with the auto.
The pedestrian is clearly feels less threatened, with the auto moving slower. The driver is also less frustrated. While the driver is actually moving slower (safer) he is in constant motion as opposed to stop and go. The experience is clearly better.
Congrats to everyone that made this happen.
BTW – we made the channel 13 news on the opening of the roundabout last night! Very positive comments. Kelly Ring’s closing comment, “Sarasota is so beautiful”. 
>Brent A. Parker | A.I.A. | Leed-AP
Architect – President
Parker Walter Group, Inc.
www.pwg.net
>>>>>
What a joy……..to see my longstanding dream become “roundabout reality” and to navigate this
handsome roundabout with the greatest of ease. No more unsightly traffic lights dangling in the
breese while we wait and wait for them to turn green! I do hope the City will add some additional
signage, maybe 200 ft before each entry, preferably pictorial showing the other 4 entries with street names.
Another, nearby, “five-pointer”, cries out for similar,.but less costly conversion: Cocoanut, 2nd, and Pineapple.
Lots of space there, low traffic, and long signal cycle. Take a look at it………very compelling!
Anyway, today was a red-letter day for us roundabout revolutionaries; so I sent a joyful letter to the H-T Editor.
Thanks to all who helped push this so successfully.
>Ernie Kretzmer
Lido Key
>>>>
I drove around the Five Points roundabout early this morning. Also got out and walked around a few times in each direction. Cool!
Unfortunately there were few pedestrians or motorists, so I could not observe it in action. However, it’s feels very easy to navigate from either perspective. The crosswalks are very short and I expect cars will drive thru very slowly.
I look forward to seeing it in action with lots of crowds.
> Chris Gallagher
Jonathan Parks Architect
www.jpa-architect.com
>>>>
I just drove around the Five points roundabout in pouring rain.
It worked like a charm.
>Eileen Hampshire
Art to Walk on
>>>>>
I agree !!! I think I was the first to go through when they moved the barricades !!!
> Bruce E. Franklin, President
Land Resource Strategies
>>>>
I drove through the roundabout twice the first day it was open. What a difference! No tension, no stress, just a smooth gentle ride through the heart of our downtown!
Now, on to Five Points Park! Let’s make downtown work and be the exciting place Sarasota promises, but sometimes doesn’t deliver.
> Ken Shelin
>>>>
It’s gorgeous!
>John Moran
Five Points Roundabout Opens Early
Observer photo of Five Points Roundabout
Date: August 13, 2010
by: Robin Roy | City Editor YourObserver.com
While traffic can now move through the roundabout, workers still are putting the finishing touches on it.
Cars began moving cautiously around the Five Points roundabout nearly a month ahead of schedule.
The intersection was not scheduled to open until Sept. 3, but contractor Jon F. Swift Inc. completed the work Aug. 11, and traffic is now moving around the circle. Work began July 5.
“We’ve been cautiously optimistic throughout the project that they would finish ahead of schedule,” said Mary Ellen Maurer, the city’s project supervisor. “The weather cooperated and the crews worked hard to get done early.”
Jon F. Swift has now completed two consecutive downtown projects ahead of schedule.
The 1300 block of Main Street was expected to close for the entire month of June, while the company installed an underground waterline, but the work only took 11 days.
Although the Five Points intersection is open, the project is not yet complete. Details such as road surfacing and landscaping aren’t scheduled to be completed until November.
The next downtown project, which will begin immediately, will see intersection improvements at Main Street and Palm Avenue, but there will be no road closures during business hours for that construction.
Contact Robin Roy at rroy@yourobserver.com.
