Event to begin at 5 p.m., with hearing formally scheduled for 6 p.m. at The Devyn on South Tamiami Trail
At 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a “hybrid public hearing” — with in-person, online and telephone options — regarding improvements planned on U.S. 41 from Beneva Road to Stickney Point Road, the department has announced.
“This project is being constructed in two phases, from Beneva Road to Caribbean Drive and from Caribbean Drive to Stickney Point Road,” a news release explains.
The in-person open house will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 8 in The Devyn’s Alexandra Ballroom, located at 7113 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, the release says. “The formal/virtual hearing will start at 6 p.m.,” it adds.
The primary purpose of the project, the release points out, “is to create a complete street that serves all users: cars, trucks, transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The median openings along the corridor are also being evaluated and modified, as necessary.”
The proposed design will include the reconstruction of the paved shoulders from 4 feet in width to 6 feet, to provide buffered bike lanes; and the widening of the right turn-lanes to accommodate the new bike lanes. The design also calls for adding 6-foot-wide concrete sidewalks along both sides of U.S. 41, the release says. “Pedestrian sidewalk ramps will be modified throughout the project to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines,” it adds. Driveways will be modified as needed to accommodate ADA guidelines and the new bike lanes, “and to bring them up to current design standards,” the release points out. Concrete pads for future bus shelters also will be constructed.
To register for the virtual public hearing, visit the project websites at
http://swflroads.com/us41/benevatocaribbean/
and http://swflroads.com/us41/caribbeantostickneypoint/.
“After registering,” the release continues, “you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the hearing.”
The project concept plans are available at the Gulf Gate Public Library, which is located at 7112 Curtiss Ave. in Sarasota, the release notes. Library hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and on Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m.
The release further notes that anyone who would like to call in to the hearing may download the project materials from the project websites:
http://swflroads.com/us41/benevatocaribbean/ and
http://swflroads.com/us41/caribbeantostickneypoint/.
Comments and questions about the project will be taken during the hearing, by email, through the websites, and by mail through Dec. 21, the release points out. All correspondence will be posted to the project websites after that deadline.
“If you do not have internet access and would like materials mailed to you,” the release says, “or if you require further information, please contact Michael Johnson,” a professional engineer who is the consultant project manager. He may be reached at 863-519-2834 or via e-mail at Michael.Johnson@dot.state.fl.us.