Bulb Out Elimination Evaluation
City Staff has conducted an initial assessment of the potential consequences of removing bulb outs within the 41st Street corridor between 40th Street and 41st Street on Chase Avenue, Prairie Avenue, Royal Palm Avenue, and Sheridan Avenue. Each segment presents unique challenges, such as underground electrical enclosures, mast arms, pedestrian signals, electrical poles, advisory signs, regulatory signs, manholes, bike racks, trees, and vegetation, which would require relocation or removal.

The results indicate that the average road width of the segments is 50 feet, which would allow for a minimum of two 10 foot wide travel lanes in both directions if the bulb outs and parking are removed. However, removing bulb outs would have a significant impact on the availability of on-street parking in the neighborhood, with an impact rating of 8 spaces on Chase Avenue, 10 spaces on Prairie Avenue, 11 spaces on Royal Palm Avenue, and 22 spaces on Sheridan Avenue. That would equate to a potential loss of up to 51 parking spaces within this corridor.

Additionally, if the bulb out located at the southwest corner of the intersection of 41st Street and Royal Palm Avenue, as well as the southwest corner of 41st Street and Prairie Avenue, are removed, there may be an impact on the mast arm foundation at these sections of the intersection. The foundation of the concrete utility pole at the southwest portion of the 41st Street and Prairie Avenue intersection should be considered as well. To determine whether any of the changes to the bulb out will affect these structures, geotechnical analysis of the foundations would be necessary.

Moreover, removing bulb outs on Prairie Avenue between 40th Street and 41st Street would require removing bike lanes in addition to the parking spaces, posing a potential safety hazard to cyclists in the network. Removing bike lanes is highly discouraged, especially when the City has committed to expanding the Bicycle Master Plan. This bicycle facility is a vital network in providing North-South connectivity for cyclists. As the City is committed to promoting a more bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly environment, removing this section of the network would limit progress in this regard.

Thoughtful consideration must be exercised on the potential impact on parking availability, cyclist welfare, and traffic congestion in this corridor. Although the initial feasibility assessment deemed it feasible based on geometry, city staff will be working closely with DTPW and FDOT to conduct a comprehensive traffic study to determine the impact of this potential solution on traffic congestion in the area.