Traffic stacking proves problematic for drivers

EAST COUNTY — When University Park Country Club resident Glenda Auxier presents a problem, she always likes to offer a solution, as well.

But for traffic at the intersection of Cooper Creek Boulevard and Tourist Center Drive, a vital intersection between Benderson Development’s Shoppes and Tourist Center Drive at UTC commercial centers, Auxier balks.

“I really don’t have a fix for this,” she said, as she watched traffic back up for the signal at University Parkway and Cooper Creek. “But, I think it has something to do with the two left turn lanes. They need to look at another way in.”

Vehicles heading north onto Cooper Creek from University Parkway struggle to turn left onto Tourist Center Drive, where businesses such as Applebee’s, World of Beer and Wendy’s are located. Traffic heading southbound toward University on Cooper Creek backs up to the point it blocks the turn lane.
Similarly, vehicles trying to head north on Cooper Creek from Tourist Center Drive can’t make the lefthand turn, either.

Although vehicles often wait to let drivers through, if one car pulls forward — or if one pulls out from Tourist Center Drive to get into the far left turn lane — their efforts are thwarted.

“I would dare say people have scary moments driving this all the time,” she said. “Frustrations build. People get impatient.”

Todd Mathes, director of development for Benderson, said the Cattlemen Road roundabouts are prompting the company to propose a roundabout at the intersection to solve the problem.

“We’re formalizing a proposal to the county to replace the signal with a roundabout to keep cars moving more efficiently,” Mathes said.

Auxier, who lives in the back side of University Park and usually takes Honore Avenue to Cooper Creek to exit the community, rather than University Parkway, has seen the area develop over the last decade. She sees the whole University Parkway corridor as problematic and says drivers are using alternatives such as Cooper Creek and Honore Avenue to bypass traffic signals and traffic along University Parkway.
The result has been stacking problems at the intersection. Auxier brought the issue forward to Manatee County commissioners at their Nov. 6 land-use meeting.

“I question whether this intersection meets county code. We really have to make sure it’s safe.” she said.

Sage Kamiya, deputy director of traffic management for Manatee County, said the county is aware of operational issues at the intersection and is working with Benderson officials to see if a roundabout could improve traffic flow at the intersection.