covering guardrail replacement, sidewalk repair, lighting updates, pedestrian signal replacements, and median modifications.
FDOT Project 444857-1 | Palmetto Trails Network | PD&E Study
Study for proposed shared use pathway in the City of Palmetto that will identify alignments and alternative facilities to improve access to schools, parks, public transportation, jobs, and health services. It will evaluate connections near Lincoln Park, Lincoln Middle School, and Washington Park, as well as connections to the area's future regional trail network.
5.2 Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSM&O) Alternative
The objective of Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSM&O) is to identify strategies that reduce traffic congestion and prevent its occurrence in areas that are currently congested. These strategies are designed to modify travel behavior and increase system efficiency without costly infrastructure improvements. TSM&O options generally include traffic signal and intersection improvements, access management, and transit improvements.
The additional roadway capacity required to meet projected traffic volumes in the project area cannot be provided solely through the implementation of TSM&O improvements, however.
No specific TSM&O Alternatives were studied within the project limits.
5.3 Multimodal Alternative(s)
The potential for multimodal alternatives was addressed by reviewing the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan regarding trips by transit riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) serves transit riders within and adjacent to the project limits. MCAT's north-south transit service in Bradenton and Palmetto utilizes US 41 Business (Green Bridge) rather than US 41 (DeSoto Bridge) to cross the Manatee River, as shown in Figure 5-1 below.
Review of current and forecasted trips within the project area by transit riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians concluded that the project's purpose and need would be best met by improvements that do not rely solely on multimodal alternatives. Therefore, multimodal alternatives are not considered for further evaluation. However, proposed improvements under the Build Alternative accommodate transit riders via MCAT routes, enhance bicycle trips by adding shared use paths to improve connectivity to the Florida Greenways and Trails System, and benefits pedestrians by closing sidewalk gaps where they exist.
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