Making the ride to the barrier islands as peaceful as their beaches

Sarasota-Manatee Barrier Island Transportation Study

The barrier islands that sit off the coasts of Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida, are an idyllic paradise for tourists and residents alike. During peak season, travel to and from the island can become difficult. With only three roadway connections, normal commuter traffic mixed with the influx of beachgoers create hours-long traffic jams.

We conducted a transportation study to reduce traffic congestion and allow island residents to easily and safely access the mainland. Our team approached this problem like a major sporting event or tourism hotspot to find real, implementable solutions. Options like mainland-based mobility hubs with island shuttles, autonomous shuttles, aerial tramways, waterborne shuttles, parking reviews, streetcar, car share, and electric cart operations were considered. We provided a plan with multiple solutions to address various modal needs and minimize total vehicles on the island, thus reducing the environmental impact.

Our plan costed and prioritized the range of solutions so the client can implement solutions according to time and budget, address pressing traffic concerns immediately, and promote a permanent change in personal travel habits in the long-term.