TPO directs staff to compile corridor studies and prioritize Newberry Road among candidates for a comprehensive safety study

Multiple commissioners and members of the public urged the TPO to examine major corridors for safety and capacity issues, with particular attention to Newberry Road’s western sections. Commissioners said growth and new development have changed the corridor context and raised questions about speed limits, school crossings and intersection treatments.

Staff and FDOT district representatives said prior studies exist for portions of the corridor but not a single, comprehensive Newberry Road study covering the full stretch: FDOT cited piecemeal studies completed between 2019 and 2022 at several locations. Commissioner Cornell moved and the board directed staff to compile existing studies and crash data for major corridors, identify funding availability, and bring a prioritized list back to the board for consideration. The motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: A corridor study would provide a coordinated, evidence‑based plan FDOT and the TPO could use to request funding and design targeted safety and operational improvements. Commissioners emphasized the need to consider context classification changes, reductions in posted speeds where appropriate, and engineering measures beyond signage.

What’s next: TPO staff will assemble the available studies and crash data, compare them against the long‑range plan and the TPO’s priority list, and return with recommendations for prioritization and potential funding sources.