ANNA MARIA – Traffic engineer Gerry Traverso has presented his findings and five proposed solutions associated with his Reimagining Pine Avenue study.
The study encompasses the Pine Avenue corridor that includes Magnolia Avenue, Spring Avenue and those connected portions of Gulf Drive and South Bay Boulevard.
Traverso addressed the Anna Maria City Commission and the public on Thursday, Aug. 19. Lasting nearly two hours, Thursday’s meeting did not result in the commission narrowing its choices down to it top two or three options as originally anticipated. The discussion will continue at future meetings and Traverso expects to provide the mayor and commission with his final report within a week or so.
The study’s two primary purposes are to improve safety and traffic flow for all those who share the streets and sidewalks within the study area. Traverso’s findings were based on traffic counts, accident reports, personal observations, public input and conversations with business owners. American Rescue Plan funds will be used to pay for the $50,274 study provided by Traverso and the George F. Young civil engineering firm.
Alternative 1
Traverso presented several alternatives for the commission to consider and each included pros, cons and estimated costs.
Alternative 1 proposes additional pavement markings, bike lane sharrow markings and the installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons at new and existing pedestrian crosswalks on Pine Avenue for an estimated cost of $85,000. Four new crosswalks and upgrading an existing crosswalk on Spring Avenue would cost an estimated $45,000. Four new crosswalks and upgrading an existing crosswalk on Magnolia Avenue would cost an estimated $45,000.
The Alternative 1 pros include less initial cost and less disruption to the Pine Avenue businesses and the simplest and fastest implementation.
However, this alterative would not solve streetside parking and delivery truck issues, does not address gaps in the existing sidewalk systems, does not address safety concerns for bicyclists and does not resolve sight distance issues at driveway entrances.
Alternative 2
Alternative 2 includes the Alternative 1 improvements in addition to buffered bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides of Pine Avenue.
Pros include buffered bike lanes, which would provide separation between motorists and bicyclists. The continuous sidewalks would increase pedestrian safety and the use of permeable concrete or pavers for those sidewalks and bike paths would increase water quality treatment and drainage. This alternative also addresses sight distance concerns by eliminating parking spaces located near driveway entrances.
The cons include the elimination of existing parking spaces and a potential 40-60% increase in construction costs due to the use of permeable concrete or permeable pavers.
Installing bike lanes on both sides of Pine Avenue and new sidewalks would cost an estimated $524,630. Sharrow markings and sidewalks along Spring Avenue would cost an estimated $152,353. Bike lanes and sidewalks along both sides of Magnolia Avenue would cost an estimated $832,646. Sharrow markings and sidewalks Magnolia Avenue would cost an estimated $391,424.
Alternative 3
Alternative 3 proposes installing a multi-use/bike path along one side of Pine Avenue, continuous sidewalks along both sides of the street, adding more crosswalks and improving existing crosswalks.
Pros include the multi-use trail, which would separate bicyclists and motorists. The permeable sidewalks would improve pedestrian safety and drainage and placing the bike path on one side of the street only would reduce driveway sight distance conflicts.
Cons include eliminating some parking spaces along Pine Avenue and the use of permeable materials, which would increase costs by 40-60%.
Installing a multi-use trail and sidewalks along Pine Avenue would cost an estimated $433,895. Sharrow markings and sidewalks along Spring Avenue would cost an estimated $152,353. A multi-use trail and sidewalks along Magnolia Avenue would cost an estimated $741,911. Sharrow markings and sidewalks along Magnolia Avenue would cost an estimated $391,424.
Alternative 4
The pros include additional parking spaces, designated parking space for delivery trucks, improved safety for pedestrians, improved drainage and improved sight distances.
However, this alternative would not provide a separate travel area for bicyclists.
Installing a multi-use trail and sidewalks along Pine Avenue would cost an estimated $645,610. Sharrow markings and sidewalks along Spring Avenue would cost an estimated $152,353. A multi-use trail and sidewalks along Magnolia Avenue would cost an estimated $829,240. Sharrow markings and sidewalks along Magnolia Avenue would cost an estimated $391,424.
Alternatives 5A/5B
Alternatives 5A and 5B propose converting Pine Avenue and Magnolia Avenue into one-way streets, creating streetside parking spaces and delivery areas, creating a multi-use path/bike path and continuous sidewalks, adding new crosswalks and improving existing crosswalks. Alternatives 5A and 5B differ in the direction the one-way traffic would travel and Traverso said these alternatives might require a traffic signal at the Magnolia Avenue/Gulf Drive intersection.
The pros include a separate travel area for bicyclists, improved safety for pedestrians, improved drainage and additional parking spaces.
The cons include the higher cost of permeable materials, a potential increase of traffic in the residential areas along Magnolia Avenue and Spring Avenue and motorists potentially driving faster on one-way streets.
A multi-use trail, sidewalks, crosswalks and parking spaces along Pine Avenue would cost an estimated $978,305. A multi-use trail, sidewalks and crosswalks along Magnolia Avenue would cost an estimated $1.28 million.
Traverso said the costs associated with the permeable surface materials could be reduced in areas where stormwater infiltration trenches exist because the subsurface fill materials are already in place. Traverso also said grants might provide additional funding sources.
The commission was in general agreement that the Pine Avenue improvements should be the first priority, with the Spring Avenue and Magnolia Avenue to be addressed later. Commissioner Doug Copeland said installing continuous sidewalks along Pine Avenue that drain well and have a consistent appearance should be the top priority.
