N※N

Sarasota-Manatee MPO Adopts $2 Billion Long-Range Transportation Plan

85

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. ts-2-billion-long-range-transportation-plan.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 7:19 GMT by Sarasota Herald-Tribune

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-02 200 x 200 / 4221 Bytes

2025-12-02 230 x 219 / 10155 Bytes

2025-12-02 210 x 224 / 7259 Bytes

2025-12-02 225 x 224 / 12406 Bytes

Sarasota‑Manatee MPO Adopts $2 Billion Long‑Range Transportation Plan

In a decisive move that could reshape travel across Southwest Florida’s most dynamic corridor, the Sarasota‑Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) formally adopted a comprehensive, 20‑year transportation plan on Thursday, December 2, 2025. The $2 billion strategy, available in full on the MPO’s website, lays out a bold roadmap for improving mobility, reducing congestion, and fostering sustainable growth in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

A Vision for a Connected Future

The plan, titled “Sarasota‑Manatee 2045 Vision: Toward a Resilient, Inclusive, and Efficient Transportation System,” sets out a clear agenda: enhance public transit, expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, upgrade key arterial roads, and integrate advanced technology to streamline traffic flow. At its core, the MPO aims to make the region a model of multimodal connectivity, encouraging residents to shift from single‑occupancy vehicles to shared and active transportation options.

“We’re looking at a future where the community can move more freely, safely, and sustainably,” said Maria Lopez, the MPO’s Director of Planning. “This plan is the first step toward that future—bringing jobs, tourism, and improved quality of life to all corners of Sarasota and Manatee.”

Funding the Vision

A major hurdle for any large‑scale transportation initiative is funding. The plan’s financial blueprint is a complex mix of federal, state, local, and private contributions. Key elements include:

The MPO has committed to a phased approach, with the first $500 million earmarked for projects slated to begin in 2026, such as the US‑41 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. The remaining funds will be dispersed over the next decade, aligning with the plan’s projected cost schedule.

The full financial breakdown is downloadable in the plan’s appendix at the MPO’s website: [ https://www.sarasotamanatee.org/plan ].

Key Projects and Corridors

1. US‑41 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

The centerpiece of the transit overhaul is a high‑capacity BRT corridor running the length of US‑41 between Sarasota’s downtown and Manatee’s North Shore. The BRT will feature dedicated lanes, signal priority at major intersections, and modern stations equipped with real‑time arrival displays. An estimated 120,000 daily riders are expected to benefit, with projected reductions in travel time by up to 25 %.

2. Expansion of the Pinellas Trail and Coastal Connector

Recognizing the region’s popularity among cyclists and pedestrians, the plan proposes extending the existing Pinellas Trail by 18 miles into Sarasota County, creating a continuous, grade‑separated trail that connects to the Manatee County Bike‑and‑Pedestrian Network. Complementary improvements to the Coastal Connector will also enhance connectivity along the Gulf Coast, with new bridges and widened shoulders.

3. US‑301 and I‑75 Improvements

The congested US‑301 corridor will see a comprehensive upgrade, including the addition of a reversible high‑occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane and a modern traffic‑management system. Parallel upgrades to I‑75 will address bottlenecks near the Sarasota Mall and the Manatee County medical district, aiming to smooth freight and passenger traffic flow.

4. Parking‑and‑Ride and Mobility Hubs

To encourage use of the BRT and other transit options, the plan outlines a network of parking‑and‑ride facilities at key interchanges and transit hubs. These will feature electric vehicle charging stations and real‑time occupancy monitoring, ensuring that commuters can seamlessly transition between car and public transit.

5. Smart‑City Infrastructure

The MPO is integrating advanced technologies such as adaptive traffic signals, connected vehicle data sharing, and a region‑wide transportation data hub. These initiatives are designed to reduce congestion, improve safety, and provide valuable data for future planning.

Environmental and Community Considerations

The plan explicitly addresses climate resilience. Sarasota‑Manatee’s coastal geography makes it vulnerable to sea‑level rise and storm surges, so the MPO has included elevated roadways, reinforced bridges, and green infrastructure such as bioswales and permeable pavements in the design of key projects. The plan also features a comprehensive safety audit, with a target of reducing traffic‑related injuries by 15 % over the next two decades.

Community engagement was a cornerstone of the planning process. Over 25 public hearings were held, with more than 1,200 residents and business owners sharing their concerns and aspirations. Feedback ranged from worries about construction disruptions to hopes for safer, more accessible streets. The MPO’s final document reflects a synthesis of these voices, ensuring that the plan is not only technically sound but also socially responsive.

Next Steps

With the plan adopted, the MPO will proceed to secure funding, finalize environmental approvals, and begin construction. The first milestone—construction of the US‑41 BRT’s core station— is slated to begin in spring 2026, with the full corridor expected to open by late 2028.

County commissioners from both Sarasota and Manatee have expressed strong support. “This plan is an investment in our future,” said Sarasota County Commissioner David Kim. “It promises to improve mobility, protect our environment, and stimulate economic growth.”

The plan’s full PDF, including detailed maps, cost estimates, and technical appendices, is available on the MPO’s website at [ https://www.sarasotamanatee.org/plan ] for residents, developers, and stakeholders to review.

Bottom Line

The Sarasota‑Manatee MPO’s $2 billion long‑range transportation plan marks a pivotal moment for Southwest Florida. By weaving together transit, bike, pedestrian, and roadway improvements under a shared vision, the region stands to become a model of modern, sustainable mobility. While challenges remain—particularly around funding timelines and construction impacts—the plan sets a clear, ambitious course for the next 20 years, promising a future where residents can move quickly, safely, and sustainably across the Sarasota‑Manatee corridor.