FDOT looks for public input on Bradenton, Palmetto traffic study

MANATEE -- As traffic congestion in the Bradenton-Palmetto area is studied, Florida Department of Transportation is seeking the public's input as possible solutions are developed.

"Receiving input from the public is important in every study and project we do at FDOT," agency spokesman Robin Stublen said. "Currently we have collected the empirical data for this study, but we have not heard from the people. We want to hear from drivers, pedestrians, bicyclist and those who use transit. All are an important element going forward with our study."

Through Jan. 25, the public can participate in the survey, which can be found at swflroads.com/study/CMNAA.

"This is an opportunity for people to have their voices heard," Stublen said. "They can tell us what they would like to see, what they think is needed in their community."

The study area of the Central Manatee Network Alternatives Analysis is bounded by 17th Street West in Palmetto to the north, Ellenton-Gillette Road to the east, 17th Avenue West in Bradenton to the south and 26th Street West to the west.

The study will "define transportation projects that will expand safe travel choices and improve the economic opportunities and quality of life of communities along the Manatee River," according to the survey.

Questions in the survey include mode of transportation to work and/or school, time of day it most difficult to get to destination, improvements to bus system needed to increase individual ridership and top concerns as a pedestrian/bicyclist.

With no current target date for the completion of the complete study, the first phase of the study, which is currently underway, is expected to be completed by April, Stublen said.

The first phase is focused on goals and objectives and identifying existing conditions and deficiencies.

The second phase is programming solutions, which could range from simple to complex.

The third phase is the implementation of solutions.

Projects that come from the Central Manatee Network Alternatives Analysis is one of the roadway projects for Manatee County included in the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization's 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan.

Nick Lepp, project manager with the Renaissance Planning Group, who completed the long-range transportation plan, told commissioners in October that the needed third bridge across the Manatee River could be a project resulting from the Central Manatee Network Alternatives Analysis.

"It could be a new bridge," Lepp said in October. "It could be an enhanced 41. We are still waiting for results of that. ... We have set aside a portion of the funds. This has been an area that has been identified in the last long-range plan and this one as downtown mobility."

Concepts including water taxis, ferries, an additional bridge and additional pedestrian and bicycle connectivity will be looked at as part of the study, said Dave Hutchinson, executive director of the MPO.

"This analysis will provide information that should identify and facilitate prioritization for future projects to address some of the mobility problems and traffic congestion that affects commuters and travelers and residents who go through the two downtowns," he said.

The online survey will not be the only opportunity for the public to give feedback.

Stublen said there will be a visioning workshop in the spring as well as updates to the various government agencies in March or April.

"We want the public input so we can take the data we collect and analyze the comments and suggestions from the public to come up with long-term solutions to the transportation needs of the community," Stublen said.

For more information, visit cmnaa.com.

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

This story was originally published January 12, 2016 at 4:49 PM with the headline "FDOT looks for public input on Bradenton, Palmetto traffic study ."