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New road, new fears of accidents
By ED QUIOCO, Times Staff Writer
OLDSMAR -- The new Forest Lakes Boulevard extension provides drivers a straight shot into Hillsborough County, bypassing congestion and stoplights on other roads. But traffic isn't the only thing flowing on the new 2.5-mile stretch. So are the complaints. Opened last week after more than 10 years of delays, the new road already has become a source of irritation for city officials and residents of nearby neighborhoods. They say the 45 mph speed limit on the extension is too high and officials should install a traffic light where the new road intersects with Pine Avenue N. That's because Pine Avenue N is used by joggers, bikers and children walking to Forest Lakes Elementary School. Without a traffic light at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Forest Lakes Boulevard, residents and city officials worry about being able to safely cross the four lanes of the new extension. "It's going to be a killing field," Mayor Jerry Beverland said. Residents have started a petition asking Pinellas County for a traffic light at the intersection. "People in this neighborhood are worried, and they are mad," said Diane Clark, 47, president of the homeowners association for the Preserve at Cypress Lakes. "It's a dangerous situation. It really is." Pinellas County engineers have already begun a study to determine if traffic lights are warranted at the intersection, said Jim Collins, division engineer with the county's public works department. The study can take about two weeks to be completed. As part of the study, the county will look into whether the traffic and pedestrian patterns around the school can be made safer with the installation of a traffic light. But some don't want to wait for the traffic study. City Council member Brian Michaels said he will propose a resolution that calls for the speed limit on the road to be reduced to 35 mph and to make the intersection a four-way stop. He plans to do that at the council meeting next week. "I'm not saying we shouldn't get a light there because I know how long it takes to get one," Michaels said. "I can't see waiting because if you wait, you have the potential of somebody getting hurt pretty badly; and I'd like to be more proactive than reactive." Residents also worry about the new Westminster apartment complex that recently was built on Pine Avenue N. When that complex is filled with residents, there will be more people walking on Pine Avenue N, especially since there is a neighborhood park at the city's new fire station south of the elementary school and another park is planned on the northern end of the road. "A traffic light doesn't seem like all that much to ask for at that intersection," said Bill Downey, 35, who lives at the Preserve at Cypress Lakes. "There are some serious concerns."
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From the Times |
