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FDOT Studies Roadway Links Around Port of Manatee
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Jul 2, 2009 - 8:06:47 AM

By Melody Jameson
mj@observernews.net

SUN CITY – Anticipating future traffic needs near the Port of ­Manatee, five possible east-west roadway improvement sites now are under study by Florida’s Department of Transportation.
 
The five sites, most of them linking U.S. 41 and I-75, are the subjects of a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study ongoing at FDOT’s District I office in Bartow.  The study purpose is to identify ­enhanced access between the port and I-75 and it is part of very ­preliminary transportation evaluations, said Lauren Hatchell, an FDOT spokesperson in Bartow.

The study sites, from north to south, include the current alignment of Valroy Road on the edge of Sundance, a new roadway cut through to the interstate highway from the port entrance near the Hillsborough-­Manatee county line, the existing Buckeye Road, the present Moccasin Wallow Road, and a linking roadway that would connect U.S. 41 with I-275.  The latter three sites all are in northern Manatee County.  

Of the five sites, only one -- Moccasin Wallow Road -- currently offers access to I-75 via an interchange. If one of the other four sites were to be determined to be the best selection for future development or expansion construction, a new interchange structure also would be involved. 

The study was initiated about a year ago and is expected to be completed by 2011, Hatchell said, adding that the study is the only function in connection with the sites that has been funded. No funding for ­design or engineering work has been appropriated nor are monies for any ­construction currently in sight.

As work progresses on evaluation of the various sites and when a preferred alignment is pinpointed by engineers, public meetings will be scheduled, Hatchell said. No public meetings have been set at this time.
©2009 Melody Jameson




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