| |
The
Bayfront Multi-use Recreational Trail (MURT) is a long-term
project which will be accomplished in segments when funding
is available. The existing MURT begins at Selby Botanical
Gardens continues along the Bayfront connecting with Island
Park and follows the Bayfront marina to Gulfstream Avenue.
The MURT loops under the John Ringling Causeway Bridge continuing
through the Ritz-Carlton property. The Segment from The Ritz-Carlton
to north City limit is now in the planning and design phase.
With money obtained through the Florid Department of Transportation
the MURT will assume a bycicle/pedestrian accomodation. This
bike/pedestrian route will be a short segment connecting the
MURT at The Ritz-Carlton property to the Van Wezel segment.
It will then cross US 41 to 10th Street turning north on Cocoanut
Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr. Way where it will turn west
to Bayshore Road and continue north to General Spatz Boulevard.
The City's goal is to provide the opportunity for Sarasota
County and Manatee County to connect the MURT with the Crosley/Caples
Baywalk. Some segments of the MURT are still being consider
for future stages. such as the segment from Centennial Park
along the bayfront to Whitaker Gateway Park. The City views
this project as a great benefit for the community which will
continue to benefit future generations.
The
MURT offers a safe, and fun place for people to walk, bicycle,
jog, and in-line skate, in a friendly, lush, tropical setting.
The Bayfront MURT provides a welcoming place for residents
and visitors to explore and appreciate some of the valuable
natural and historical resources along Sarasota Bay. The MURT
also promotes health and fitness by drawing people of all
ages and physical abilities to utilize its path.
The
Bayfront Recreational Trail will be designed to comply with
the Florida Department of Transportation's "Bicycle Facilities
Planning and Design Manual" (BFPDM) and the United States
Department of Transportation's "Manual of Uniform Traffic
Control Devices" (MUTCD).
The
Trail will be constructed within the existing right-of-way,
except where land owners donate easements for the project,
and will use existing sidewalks and bicycle lanes wherever
possible.
Along with our many miles of sidewalks and bicycle lanes,
the Engineering Department is eager to promote and develop
this non-motorized urban trail as a means of general recreational
enjoyment, as well as enhancing a multi-modal network. Click
on the link below to view a map of the Bayfront MURT.
Bayfront
MURT Map 2007
|
