Manatee County is seeking public input on a planned renovation for a popular local road that leads to Robinson Preserve. County planners want residents to prioritize what amenities they’d like to see along the way, including sidewalks, bike lanes, street lighting, cross walks, landscaping, and modifications to existing vehicular travel lane widths. The County wants to meet the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists while providing enhanced safety for each type of user along the 9th Avenue NW. Designers are now looking to members of the public for input on what should be included in final roadway plans.

From now through Oct. 1, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to visit www.mymanatee.org/mobility to view a short video about Complete Streets design concepts and to provide feedback with a nine-question survey. Results from the survey will provide the design team with valuable insight as they work to complete plans for the 9th Ave NW Roadway Improvement Project.

“Traditionally, when our projects reach this part of the design process, we would hold a public meeting in order to share information about the project” said Ogden Clark, Strategic Affairs Manager with Manatee County’s Public Works Department. “Now, with limitations on gatherings due to COVID-19, we are making an effort to get important information about the project out through different means. We hope that providing an extended period for public input online will allow for more participation than we would see for a one-time meeting.”  The 9th Ave NW Improvement Project will focus on reconstruction of the west end of the 9th Avenue NW from 75th Street NW to 99th Street NW and add a new multi-use trail. The project will also add missing sidewalk links on 9th Ave NW from 75th St NW to 71st St NW. Design and permitting phases are expected to begin in late 2020 and will likely last 12-18 months.

Click for more information on the project.