Manatee commissioners talk possible roadway improvements to Rye Road

MANATEE -- Manatee County motorists could see as many as two roundabouts along State Road 64 in East Manatee in the near future.

Roundabouts are being considered for State Road 64 at Rye and Lorraine roads.

During a Tuesday work session, Florida Department of Transportation told commissioners the roundabout is one of two options being considered for the S.R. 64 and Rye Road intersection.

During the project development environmental study now underway, a traffic signal will also be considered. After gathering public input this spring on the two options, FDOT expects to have a final recommendation by June.

Design is programmed for fiscal year 2016 at $1 million and construction is programmed for fiscal year 2018 at $3 million.

Roundabouts are "actually safer for pedestrians because you are reducing the speed," said L.K. Nandam with FDOT.

The roundabout at Lorraine Road and S.R. 64 is not included in its work program but a FDOT official said the intent is to start the planning, design and engineering process as soon as funding is available.

Extending White Eagle Boulevard, which now ends before State Road 64, is temporarily on hold awaiting direction from FDOT.

Richard Bedford, vice president of planning for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, told FDOT and commissioners SMR is "ready to do whatever you want" in regard to White Eagle Boulevard.

"Our concern on the Rye Road intersection is one of timing," Bedford said.

Nandam said FDOT has met with SMR, which is going to "kind of follow our schedule in regard to White Eagle Boulevard."

Commissioners also talked about proposed capital improvement program projects for Rye Road as well as the current 55-mph speed limit. Transportation and utility improvements, which will bid as one project in July, are expected to be completed by December 2017.

Staff recommended posted speed limits remain the same based on traffic studies, but some commissioners expressed concerns the speed limit is too high. The commission could take no formal action during the work session.

Commissioner Betsy Benac said 55 mph is a highway speed zone.

"This is an area where we are seeing a lot of growth," Benac said. "Fifty-five is a highway speed zone to me. I am not sure why we set it so high. ... It just seems to me that we should be proactive in slowing the traffic down."

Commission Chairwoman Vanessa Baugh said Rye Road gets "pretty congested at certain times of day."

"If you wait, something could happen," Baugh said. "If we slowed it down a little bit, there is a little better of a chance of it not happening."

Commissioner Robin DiSabatino said 55 mph is way too fast with all the development already approved out there.

"To me, I rather err on the side of caution of being safe than sorry," she said.

Manatee County resident Katherine Morningstar, who has a grandchild at Witt Elementary School, said she doesn't think the speed limit is safe with children walking and biking to school.

"It's an ongoing concern," she said. "It's just a nightmare out there. It's an accident waiting to happen."

The commission also heard an update on the pavement management program. Manatee County is "responsible for 1,266 lane miles of paved roads across the county," according to agenda materials.

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 7:18 PM with the headline "Manatee commissioners talk possible roadway improvements to Rye Road ."