FDOT is conducting a study to examine the feasibility of improving the overall traffic operations and circulation of motorized and non-motorized traffic on the Sarasota/Manatee Barrier Islands. To ensure a comprehensive approach, this study must evaluate a variety of elements including travel patterns of users on the islands, trips on and off the islands, destination points, existing transit service, existing parking facilities, bicycle/pedestrian facilities and needs, and land development as they are related to parking. A unique element that must be considered for this study is event operations planning in relation to seasonal visitors. It is also recognized that off-island improvements may be evaluated in both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The study will be comprised of three phases. Phase 1 will include reviewing available studies/transportation plans that have been performed and summarizing the recommendations. Phase 2 of the project will include observations, collection of traffic data, parking studies, etc. Review of these elements will lead to identification of the issues present on the islands. Phase 3 will include a transportation management plan and recommendations to improve the current infrastructure issues, if needed, based on conclusions made during Phase 2.