The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, has identified the need for improvements along SR 55 (US 19, US 41, S Tamiami Trl). This project involves milling and resurfacing SR 55 from 23rd Ave W to 39th St E to extend the service life of the pavement and implementing safety improvements along the corridor. These improvements include guardrail replacements, sidewalk repair, lighting updates, pedestrian signal replacements, and two median modifications. Generally, the corridor is a multi-lane, divided urban roadway with a design speed ranging from 45 to 55 mph. This corridor passes through suburban residential, commercial, and urban contexts.

Median Modification 1: 21st St
SR 55 possesses 2 through lanes in both directions at this location.  With high traffic volumes, vehicles struggle to find suitable gaps in traffic to make left turns from 21st St onto SR 55. A safety analysis has identified that a significant number of crashes involving left-turning vehicles occur at this intersection. The proposed median modification will convert the existing full median opening to a directional median opening and will prevent left turns from 21st St onto SR 55. By preventing left turns, the directional median opening will eliminate the safety issues for those looking to cross the road.

Median Modification 2: 11th Ave
SR 55 possesses 3 to 4 through lanes in both directions at this location. The corridor experiences high traffic volumes and the intersecting legs along 11th Ave are offset. A safety analysis has identified that a significant number of crashes involving left-turning vehicles as well as fatal pedestrian crashes occur at this intersection. The proposed median modification will convert the existing full median opening to a directional median opening and will prevent left turns from 11th Ave onto SR 55. By preventing left turns, the directional median opening will eliminate the safety issues as well as provide a pedestrian refuge in the median for those looking to cross the road.

SR 55 (US 19) from 23rd Ave W to 39th St E Public Workshops

Two open, in-person public workshops will be held to present and discuss the two proposed median modifications. The materials available for review and comment will be specific to each intersection at the respective workshop. Anyone unable to participate in the in-person public workshops will be able to watch a narrated project presentation video, to be posted on the project website following the public workshops. All participants are welcome to share their comments with project team.

Public Workshop #1: 21st St Intersection
Date: June 4, 2024
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Manatee County Public Library System, Palmetto Branch, 923 6th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221
Postmark comments by June 18, 2024 to be included in the formal workshop record.

Public Workshop #2: 11th Ave Intersection
Date: June 13, 2024
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: The Bridge Church, 4000 75th St W, Bradenton, FL 34209
Postmark comments by June 27 to be included in the formal workshop record.

After reviewing the SR 55 (US 19) from 23rd Ave W to 39th St Design Workshop materials, and/or participating, you may submit comments in three ways: 1) through the project webpage https://www.swflroads.com/project/447379-1; 2) email the FDOT Project Manager Scott McCall at scott.mccall@dot.state.fl.us; or 3) mail comments to Scott McCall at FDOT District One, P.O. Box 1249, Bartow, FL 33831-1249.

While comments about the project are accepted at any time, please note that comments must be received or postmarked by June 18, 2024 for Public Workshop #1 and June 27, 2024 for Public Workshop #2 to be included in the formal workshop records.

A summary of the workshop comments and responses will be available on the webpage approximately 30 days following the close of the comment period.

FDOT is sending notices to property owners, business owners, interested persons and organizations within 300 feet of the project to provide the opportunity to give comments to FDOT regarding this project. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2287, or email at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us  at least seven days prior to the workshop.

For additional information on Proven Safety Countermeasures developed by the Federal Highway Administration, please visit the following websites:

Medians and Pedestrian Refuge Islands in Urban and Suburban Areas

Reduced Left-Turn Conflict Intersections