Traffic congestion has been a longstanding issue for Longboat Key residents, often topping the list of concerns in our community. Fortunately, the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is making significant strides towards alleviating these challenges through the Barrier Islands Traffic Study, completed in March 2020. Here’s an in-depth look at what’s happening and what it means for our beautiful barrier island.

Key Findings and Plans:

 

The MPO's study, conducted in collaboration with the Florida Department of Transportation, outlines several crucial projects designed to improve traffic flow and safety. These include:

 

Enhancing Safety: Focused improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians on the Longboat Pass Bridge, ensuring safer travel for non-motorized commuters.

Widening and Elevating Lanes: Plans to widen lanes and build higher bridges to minimize traffic disruptions from frequent bridge openings.

Intersection Improvements: Key intersections like Gulf Drive and Cortez Road are slated for enhancements, although some projects face challenges due to property acquisition needs.

Collaborative Efforts:

 

A significant aspect of the implementation involves coordinated efforts among barrier island municipalities, from Anna Maria Island to Siesta Key. This unified approach ensures that improvements in one area benefit the entire region, creating a seamless travel experience.

 

Ongoing and Future Projects:

 

Transit System Expansion: A unified transit system now includes Sarasota County’s OnDemand service, covering all of Longboat Key, making it easier for residents to move around.

Multimodal Transportation: The Gulf Islands Ferry service, launched in January, has been well-received, and we’re exploring additional ways to integrate it into our daily commute.

Anna Maria Island Trail: Entering the planning stages, this trail presents an excellent opportunity for collaboration and improved traffic management.

Looking Ahead:

 

As we move forward, Longboat Key remains committed to being a proactive voice in regional traffic solutions. Our goal is to ensure smoother, faster commutes for everyone, particularly our workers who need efficient transit options. Stay tuned for more updates as these projects develop.

 

For more detailed information and updates, visit our website at www.teamrenick.com. Let’s work together to keep Longboat Key moving smoothly!

 

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