City shares makeover options for Fruitville Road

The city is continuing its quest to make Fruitville Road a pedestrian-friendly street, considering potentially significant overhauls in pursuit of that goal.

At a workshop today, city staff will discuss two different concept plans for improving Fruitville Road between U.S. 41 and U.S. 301. The plans aim to improve the flow of traffic while also increasing the walkability of what many officials see as an uninviting street.

Option 1:

• Maintain four lanes between U.S. 41 and U.S. 301
• Increase sidewalk width to at least 10 feet
• Remove the bike lanes, relocating them to Second and/or Fourth streets.

Option 2:

• Narrow the street to two lanes between Cocoanut and Lemon avenues
• Install roundabouts at Cocoanut, Central and Lemon avenues
• Increase sidewalk width to at least 16 feet within this section, and 10 feet elsewhere between U.S. 41 and U.S. 301
• Remove the bike lanes, relocating them to Second and/or Fourth streets.

A memo from Sam Schwartz Engineering, a Tampa-based consultant working with the city, says both plans would improve all modes of travel along Fruitville Road. Projecting traffic conditions through 2038, a model suggests the second option would offer the best level of service for vehicular traffic along Fruitville.

Already, the concept plans have generated some interest and concern from various stakeholders. Residents on Sarasota’s barrier islands, including Longboat Key, have questioned how the changes might affect the ongoing congestion issues on the John Ringling Causeway.

The group Bicycle/Pedestrian Advocates has also drafted a letter protesting the proposed removal of bike lanes from Fruitville Road.

“Fruitville Road is an arterial and, in order to be safe, should and does have bike lanes,” the letter states. “The city of Sarasota should not move backwards and intentionally make a road substandard.”

The city held a series of workshops regarding Fruitville Road improvements in November. More information regarding the project can be found on the city website.