CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SARASOTA/MANATEE US 41 CMASS STORYMAP

This interactive StoryMap provides an introduction and background information on the study, results of the existing conditions analysis, next steps of the study, and contact information.

The Sarasota/Manatee US 41 Corridor Mobility and Safety Study (CMASS) is part of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District 1 Connecting Communities Program. This project will develop concepts and implementation strategies to enhance multimodal mobility (specifically transit services/operations), interconnectivity/access within adjacent neighborhoods, and safety for all users along the US 41/US 41 Business corridor between University Parkway in Sarasota and 17th Street W. in Palmetto. Phase I of the study, which included community and agency engagement, data collection, evaluation of existing corridor conditions and corridor/modal usage, and identification of feasible improvement strategies, is complete. Phase II of the study is currently in progress and includes additional community and agency engagement as well as analysis of improvement strategies. The study will ultimately result in concepts to be advanced and development of an implementation plan.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What other projects are underway in this area?

FDOT Planning/PD&E Projects

• Bradenton-Palmetto Connector ACE Study [FPID: 444843-1]
• Palmetto Trails Network PD&E Study [FPID: 444857-1]
• Desoto Bridge PD&E Study [FPID: 442630-1]
• Cortez Road Corridor Vision and Action Plan [FPID: 450894-1]

FDOT Design Projects

• 10th Avenue Complete Streets Study [FPID: 433142-2]
• US 19 Resurfacing from 23rd Avenue W. to 39th Street E. [FPID: 447379-1]
• US 41 Resurfacing from Edwards Drive to Magellan Drive [FPID: 444612-1]
• US 301 Resurfacing from Desoto Road to University Parkway [FPID: 449113-1]
• US 41 Resurfacing from US 19/SR 70 to I-275 [FPID: 449114-1]
• US 41 Resurfacing from 26th Street W. to SR 55 [FPID: 449115-1]

Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Studies

• US 41 Transit Choices ConOps
• Manatee Trail Alignment Study
• Sarasota Trail Alignment Study
• LECOM Park & Village of the Arts District Mobility Study

For more information on area projects, visit www.swflroads.com/connectingcommunities

2. What other studies have been completed in the area?

FDOT Planning Studies

• US 41 Complete Streets Corridor Planning Study: The US 41 Complete Streets Corridor Planning Study encompassed a 2.2-mile section of US 41/Tamiami Trail between University Parkway and Whitfield Avenue in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The intent of the Corridor Study was to evaluate the existing and future quality of travel along the roadway for all modes of travel and identify a system of improvements that will support regional mobility, safe and comfortable travel by all modes, and development goals of the major cultural and educational institutions and employers along the corridor. The Study documented support for multimodal improvements along US 41 from University Parkway to Tallevast Road. Stakeholders and residents supported the implementation of bicycle facilities, intersection improvements, landscaping, and access management. The final report was completed in May 2019.
• Arterial Safety Study – US 41 from 53rd Avenue to Cortez Road: The purpose of the Arterial Safety Study was to perform a safety analysis and recommend improvements along the study corridor in Manatee County. Based on the results of crash analysis, safety evaluations, and engineering assessments, several recommendations were developed. Recommendations included various signalized intersection improvements, ADA improvements for all curb ramps and pedestrian signals, and installation of additional signage. The final technical memorandum was completed in April 2021.
• Access Management Study – US 41 from 63rd Avenue West to 53rd Avenue West: An Access Management Study was conducted along this corridor in Manatee County. Based on traffic volume data, field observations, crash history, and operational and safety assessments, the study recommended converting the existing continuous two-way left-turn lane to a raised 12-foot wide median with auxiliary 9-foot left turn lanes at proposed median openings. The report was completed in April 2018.
• Intersection Safety Study – US 41 at Florida Boulevard: The purpose of the Intersection Study was to perform a safety analysis and recommend improvements at the project intersection in Manatee County. Based on the results of crash analysis, safety evaluations, and engineering assessments, several recommendations were developed. Recommendations included installation of street lighting, restriping crosswalks, and installation of additional signage. The technical memorandum was completed in August 2020.
• Intersection Safety Analysis – US 41 (14th Street) at SR 70 (53rd Avenue): An Intersection Safety Analysis was conducted at this intersection in Manatee County as a result of the intersection being listed on the FDOT District 1’s top crash locations. Based on the results of crash analysis, safety evaluations, and engineering assessments, several recommendations were developed. Recommendations included extending left turn lanes, adding a traffic separator, adding sidewalks, and driveway modifications. The final report was completed in April 2013.

Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Studies

• US 41 Transit Choices Study: The purpose of the US 41 Transit Choices Study was to identify technology and capital projects that will improve the speed, efficiency, and reliability of fixed-route public transportation services operating within the US 41 corridor between Downtown Sarasota and Downtown Bradenton. The final report was completed and adopted by the MPO Board in November 2021.
• US 41 Multi Modal Emphasis Corridor Gap and Safety Analysis: The US 41 Multi Modal Emphasis Corridor (MMEC) was established to assist the redevelopment and revitalization of the US 41 corridor through the allocation of funds specifically for multimodal transportation improvements. The corridor traverses more than 50 miles and includes the portions of US 41 from 17th Street in Palmetto to the Charlotte County line along the portions of Business 41 in Palmetto, Bradenton, and Venice. The US 41 MMEC Gap and Safety Analysis was conducted to evaluate the MMEC Program’s effectiveness and to determine if any changes to the program’s goals, objectives, and strategies are needed while assessing existing conditions along the corridor to identify potential safety and mobility improvements. A draft of the plan was completed in February 2020 and presented to the MPO Technical Advisory Committee in March 2020.
• Destination Zero Action Plan: The purpose of the Destination Zero Action Plan is to document collaborative efforts to reduce traffic-related deaths and serious injuries in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The Action Plan highlights the cross-agency and departmental commitment to Destination Zero, the effort to eventually eliminate all traffic-related deaths and serious roadway injuries, and the fundamental changes necessary to create a safe, healthy, and sustainable region. A draft of the plan was completed in December 2021 and presented to the MPO Board in February 2022.

3. What is the Connecting Communities Program?

The Florida Department of Transportation, District 1 is conducting several projects in partnership with the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and local governments. Collectively these projects make up the Connecting Communities Program. The purpose of this program is to holistically enhance the multimodal transportation network within Sarasota and Manatee Counties. For more information on the Connecting Communities Program, visit www.swflroads.com/connectingcommunities

4. What is the difference between Phase I and Phase II of the Sarasota/Manatee US 41 CMASS?

Phase I of the study includes community and agency outreach, data collection, evaluation of existing corridor conditions and corridor/modal usage, and identification of feasible improvement strategies. Phase II includes additional community and agency outreach as well as analysis of improvement strategies. A Public Workshop will be conducted in Phase II. The study will ultimately result in concepts to be advanced and an implementation plan.

5. How can I comment on the study?

We welcome your input. Email your comments to info@us41cmass.com

Your feedback plays a critical role during this project and will direct the project development and decision-making process. We need to know your needs and concerns to determine the best solution for the community. Send us your comments at info@us41cmass.com.

If you have questions regarding this project or would like to schedule a meeting, please contact the FDOT Project Manager, Mr. Matt Dockins, by email at matthew.dockins@dot.state.fl.us. Written comments and questions can be mailed to:

Sarasota/Manatee US 41 CMASS
Attention: Matt Dockins
FDOT, District One Environmental Management Office
801 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related studies.