Letters to the Editor

+ Diverging diamond is a partial traffic solution
Dear Editor,
The recent agreement to adopt the diverging diamond solution addresses the problem of traffic on University Parkway being able to merge onto Interstate 75 without the restriction of waiting at stop lights to make left turns to access the Interstate — and that is a good thing.  

However, it appears that the other part of this agreement removed the obligation for Sarasota and Manatee counties to require that the congestion caused by the traffic that travels in both directions on University Parkway is relieved — and that is a not a good thing.

As a result of this agreement, improvements planned for the Cattlemen/Cooper Creek intersection with University Parkway and the Market Street intersection with University Parkway have been put on hold. The left turn lanes at both of these intersections already have traffic backing up into the thru-lanes.  

I have confirmation from Sarasota County that University Parkway between Honore Avenue and the I-75 interchange is currently operating at Level of Service D.  

If the Level of Service is already “D,” will University Parkway fall to the next level of “F” with the addition of destination traffic to the mall — traffic that isn’t just driving by and decides to stop at the mall, but traffic that leaves home with the mall as their destination?  

How can Sarasota and Manatee counties allow the necessary improvements to the University Parkway corridor to be delayed while allowing the mall to open?  

Glenda Auxier
University Park