Regardless of increased travel time of 3 minutes, the public safety that this project provides certainly is worth consideration. As Dunedin continues it's pursuit of walkability and the benefits that commitment entails, we need to prioritize people over cars. 580 from US19 to Alt19 is a stroad that bifurcates the city and significantly decreases walkability and safety for pedestrians. The average ADT count is lower than say Patricia in front of the schools. The utilization of raised crosswalks as speed tables as well as embedded flashing lights in the ramp up that are extremely bright in direct sunlight will go a long way to ensure public safety. I don't view the roundabouts as a detriment (like they are on clearwater beach) because the traffic load isn't that heavy and there won't be multiple lanes going into and out of the roundabouts.
The redesign of Skinner Blvd. between Bass Blvd. and Alt. 19 is going to significantly increase travel time along Skinner Blvd. between those 2 points and, as a result, will significantly increase the amount of traffic on Pinehurst Rd. between Main St. and San Christopher, and on San Christoper itself.
Via email, Mr. Ironsmith confirmed that Mr. Dabkoswki from George F. Young Inc. believes the recommended concept will increase travel time on Skinner between Bass and Alt. 19 by an average of 4 minutes. It currently takes approximately 1 minute if you don't need to stop at the Pinellas Trail. The distance between Bass and Alt. 19 is roughly 1/2 mile. The proposed plan for Skinner Blvd. will result in an average travel time of 5 minutes between those points, which is the equivalent of traveling at 6 mph. People aren't going to travel Skinner for 1/2 mile at 6 mph. They'll use Pinehurst and San Christopher as alternates. It should be noted that there are 3 school zones along this route.
Regardless of increased travel time of 3 minutes, the public safety that this project provides certainly is worth consideration. As Dunedin continues it's pursuit of walkability and the benefits that commitment entails, we need to prioritize people over cars. 580 from US19 to Alt19 is a stroad that bifurcates the city and significantly decreases walkability and safety for pedestrians. The average ADT count is lower than say Patricia in front of the schools. The utilization of raised crosswalks as speed tables as well as embedded flashing lights in the ramp up that are extremely bright in direct sunlight will go a long way to ensure public safety. I don't view the roundabouts as a detriment (like they are on clearwater beach) because the traffic load isn't that heavy and there won't be multiple lanes going into and out of the roundabouts.
The redesign of Skinner Blvd. between Bass Blvd. and Alt. 19 is going to significantly increase travel time along Skinner Blvd. between those 2 points and, as a result, will significantly increase the amount of traffic on Pinehurst Rd. between Main St. and San Christopher, and on San Christoper itself.
Via email, Mr. Ironsmith confirmed that Mr. Dabkoswki from George F. Young Inc. believes the recommended concept will increase travel time on Skinner between Bass and Alt. 19 by an average of 4 minutes. It currently takes approximately 1 minute if you don't need to stop at the Pinellas Trail. The distance between Bass and Alt. 19 is roughly 1/2 mile. The proposed plan for Skinner Blvd. will result in an average travel time of 5 minutes between those points, which is the equivalent of traveling at 6 mph. People aren't going to travel Skinner for 1/2 mile at 6 mph. They'll use Pinehurst and San Christopher as alternates. It should be noted that there are 3 school zones along this route.