Traffic Calming and Counts

Traffic Calming

Traffic Calming is simply the modification of a roadway to discourage cut-through traffic on local residential streets.  It is seen as a long-term goal to redirect traffic to more efficient thoroughfares, allowing neighborhoods to maintain their residential character.

Roadway modifications may include, but not be limited to, speed tables, roundabouts, rumble strips, diagonal diverters, modified intersections and/or a combination of two or more treatments.  Traffic Engineering also utilizes a speed monitor board, which is an effective, temporary device to warn motorists of their existing speed.

The methodology in requesting traffic calming measures was developed in a Work Session with the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) on January 30, 2001.  The first step involves the formation of a working group to identify a need for traffic calming in the Study Area.  This step must be taken prior to any further action by the Traffic Engineering Division.  Once a working group is established by your community, either by your Homeowner's Association or your local group, please contact the Traffic Engineering Division at 941-749-3502.

If you would like to view the full procedure process, please click on Procedures for Requesting Traffic Calming.

Procedures for Requesting Traffic Calming

Traffic Counts (AADT)

The Manatee County Traffic Engineering Division started its annual Traffic Counts Program in 1975. Traffic count locations were selected based on recommendations from the Public Works and Planning Departments. Currently, 293 individual traffic counts are collected throughout Manatee County.

The traffic data is presented in a standard Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) format. The AADT represents the number of vehicles that pass a given point on an average day. The estimated AADT is computed by taking a 24-hour, bi-directional traffic count and adjusting it with factors provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to account for seasonal variations.
 
Local, state and federal officials, engineering firms, transportation planners, and many other organizations use the AADT data. The traffic data is used to conduct traffic impact studies for new developments, analyze existing traffic demands on Manatee County’s roads, and identify ways to improve traffic flow and safety.  View the traffic data collected by the Traffic Engineering Division. The data is updated annually.
 
If you require assistance, please contact the Traffic Engineering Division at 941-749-3502.