FDOT begins pedestrian safety project in downtown Bradenton

BRADENTON -- A pedestrian safety project in downtown Bradenton is in the design phase and construction could begin in about 18 months.

The project will be along Eighth Avenue West between Ninth Street West and 14th Street West. The scope of work includes construction of a median, dedicated turn lanes and crosswalks.

"The goal is to increase pedestrian connectivity between the Village of the Arts with crosswalks at 13th and Old Main Street," Florida Department of Transportation project manager David Jones said.

Existing lanes will be reduced to 11 feet wide to make room for the project, "but the sidewalks will remain the same. There won't be a bike lane because we just

don't have the footprint to do it," he said.

Mayor Wayne Poston said the area has long been a concern for residents and business owners in the village, "so the timing is perfect."

Ward 3 Councilman Patrick Roff, also chairman of the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, said safe pedestrian travel has been a goal since Realize Bradenton worked with the community on its Village of the Arts Tapestry Plan. Roff said the city has been able to address flooding, lighting and several other goals for the city arts district.

"I remember meeting with FDOT because Eighth Avenue is way too wide and FDOT said we wouldn't be able to do anything," said Roff, who noted MPO prioritized the project as a safety concern, which helped push it forward.

Cost estimates have not been released while the project is still being designed. Jones said total costs should be reduced because the project will begin in conjunction with planned city utility work in the area.

"We'll be designing the project and the city will let it out for construction," said Jones. "We can probably turn the whole thing around in 18 months."

Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him Twitter @urbanmark2014.

This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 11:37 PM with the headline "FDOT begins pedestrian safety project in downtown Bradenton ."