Traffic increase hasn't led to intersection, signal changes

I'm sure most of you have noticed the exorbitant increase in the traffic the past several years in Manatee and Sarasota counties. While there has been an increase in permanent residence and snowbirds, the timing of intersection lights remain the same.

This is causing major issues in traffic backups, and I feel this problem isn't being addressed properly by our county/city. I live near the intersection of SR 70 and Lockwood Ridge Road. Now that the county approves to have new stores and gas stations to be built up all around this intersection, more and more traffic flows through here and nothing has been done to rectify the traffic issues here.

Northbound traffic approaching SR 70 on Lockwood Ridge constantly backs up for almost a half mile at times.

Left-hand turn lane on SR 70 turning south on Lockwood Ridge backs up all time, leaving cars out in the left lane waiting to turn. The timing of this light has not changed in years. Something needs to be done about it; either make a right green arrow for those turning east onto SR 70 (that way cars do not need to stop to take a right), or let's allow 10-15 more seconds for the cars turning southbound onto Lockwood Ridge. While they are turning left, the cars backed up on Lockwood Ridge can freely turn right and allow more cars through this intersection.

It sounds pretty common sense to me, but who am I? I'm sure someone out there has a good excuse as to why this hasn't been done yet, I would like to know. This is just one intersection out of the hundreds that haven't changed with the increase in traffic. Let's get with the times, shall we?

Jackie Swentor

Bradenton

This story was originally published March 1, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Traffic increase hasn't led to intersection, signal changes ."