MPO requests FDOT traffic study

Town Manager Dave Bullock told the board of the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Monday if the Sarasota-Manatee area can’t manage traffic more efficiently in season, its in danger of losing both tourists and residents to areas that can.

Bullock requested and received support for a comprehensive traffic analysis of all of the traffic points that affect traffic from the barrier islands to the mainland.

The MPO, which prioritizes both federal and local state transportation projects in both Manatee and Sarasota counties, directed the Florida Department of Transportation Monday to conduct an analysis that will include looking at everything from traffic light timings, additional turn lanes, pedestrian crossings and other issues.

FDOT District 1 Secretary Billy Hattaway told the MPO board FDOT will report back to the MPO at its June 22 meeting for a strategy for the analysis and how much it will cost.

Bullock and Longboat Key Mayor Jack Duncan have worked for the past two months to gain support for the regional traffic analysis among neighboring counties and municipalities.

Bullock says FDOT “must own the problem” because it owns and controls all of the roads involved as part of the analysis.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].