Bayfront roundabout plan up for vote

The Sarasota City Commission is expected to vote today on the bayfront-connectivity plan, which includes six roundabouts on U.S. 41.

Commissioners also will vote on a proposal to build two “test” roundabouts at 14th Street and 10th Street. Approval of that measure is expected because it was the commission’s idea in the first place, and it previously passed 5-0.

The purpose of the bayfront-connectivity plan is to slow traffic on Tamiami Trail and increase pedestrian access to the bayfront. Both would be accomplished through the use of wider medians, multi-use trails and roundabouts at 14th Street, 10th Street, Fruitville Road, Gulf Stream Avenue, Main Street and Orange Avenue.

Commissioners want to build the “test” roundabouts at 14th Street and 10th Street to get drivers used to them before the wider plan is enacted. Those first two roundabouts would be complete in three years.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].