Q:

When and where will the construction take place?

A:

Construction for these projects is programmed to begin in the spring of 2009. They are designed to be completed in two general phases. The first phase of the projects will be to construct the frontage roads. The second phase of the projects will include the construction of the six mainline lanes and bridges. Intermediate lane shifts may occur during each phase to facilitate construction.

Additionally, a separate project consisting of improvements to the intersection of SR 60 will provide dual left turn lanes for eastbound and westbound traffic as well as an exclusive right turn lane for eastbound traffic. The frontage roads will be reconfidured to allow for northbound and southbound movements across SR 60. These improvements will operate in conjunction with the proposed US 19 reconstruction. Construction for this interim project is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2006.

Q:
 Is there a plan to extend this controlled access type of facility to the north?
A:
 Yes. Currently, there is a project in design which will fill the gap between Sunset Point Rd. and Countryside Boulevard. This project will begin construction in the spring of 2007. Also, the area between SR 580 (Main Street) and Curlew Road is scheduled to begin design in 2010.
Q:
 Will sidewalks be provided with these projects?
A:
 Yes. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks will be constructed along the northbound and southbound frontage roads. There will also be a shared use path along the northbound frontage road between Haines Bayshore Boulevard and Belleair Road. This will provide a continuation of the Progress Energy Trail that will be located to the west of US 19 (proposed by Pinellas County).
Q:
 How will consumers access the businesses?
A:
 Consumers will be able to enter and exit the six mainline lanes of US 19 by way of ramps. The ramps will direct traffic to and from the frontage roads where the businesses can be accessed.
Q:
 How will drainage be handled for the projects?
A:
 Stormwater runoff from the roadway will be collected in inlets and directed to ponds though drainage pipes. The ponds will provide improved water quality before allowing any flow to outfall to tidally influenced bodies of water.
Q:
 Will roadway lighting be provided?
A:
 Yes. Lighting will be installed to illuminate the entire roadway, including the frontage roads.
Q:
 Will the project limits be landscaped?
A:
 The Department will be providing funding to the City of Clearwater for plant materials in order to landscape feasible areas along the projects. The City of Clearwater will design, install, and maintain the landscaping throughout the project limits after the roadway construction is complete.
Q:
 Will access to my business or home be blocked at any time?
A:
 The contractor will be required to maintain access to homes and businesses at all times. Signs with business names will be utilized during construction to delineate driveways for easier access by consumers.
Q:
 Will there be any lane closures during construction?
A:
 There will be temporary lane closures on US 19. Lane closures will be limited to off-peak traffic hours in order to minimize disruption.
Q:
 Will there be new traffic signals at any of the intersections?
A:
 In order to provide uninterrupted traffic flow along US 19, traffic signals will only be located along the frontage roads where overpasses are to be constructed. This would include Belleair Road, Seville Boulevard, and SR 60. The traffic signals will direct vehicles through the intersections beneath the overpasses.
Q:
 Will additional right-of-way be required in order to construct the projects?
A:
 Yes. Additional right-of-way will be necessary for the construction of stormwater ponds and a small portion of the southbound frontage road near Druid Road. Temporary construction easements may be necessary for the construction of some driveways to provide appropriate connections to the frontage roads. The current estimate for right-of-way costs is $56,180,400. This is the combined cost for both projects.
Q:
 Will I be able to make left turns across the six mainline lanes of US 19 from the frontage roads?
A:
 No. The frontage roads only provide access to the mainline lanes of US 19 at the specified entrance/exit ramps.
Q:
 How do I access businesses on the opposite side of the roadway if I'm traveling on the mainline lanes of US 19?
A:
 After exiting the mainline lanes by way of a ramp, the frontage roads will continue to an overpass where a U-turn can be made at the signalized intersection. The intersections beneath the overpasses at Belleair Road and SR 60 will contain dedicated U-turn lanes. The northbound frontage road at Belleair Road will also have this feature.
Q:
 How much will these projects cost?
A:
 The current cost estimates for the projects are as follows: $67.2 million (north of Whitney Road to south of Seville Boulevard) and $62.3 million (south of Seville Boulevard to north of SR 60).
Q:
 Whom do I contact during the design process of this project?
A:
 Ms. Amy Neidringhaus, FDOT Project Manager, at 813-975-6169 or 1-800-226-7220, or by email amy.neidringhaus@dot.state.fl.us.
 
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