Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies

Bayshore crosswalk in line for upgrades

The intersection of Bayshore and Gandy has long been a troublesome spot for walkers and motorists alike.

Bayshore Boulevard strollers take note: Crosswalk and sidewalk improvements are headed to the busy intersection of Bayshore and Gandy.

Elton Smith, Tampa's transportation manager, said his department is still working out the details for the new crosswalk and sidewalks. But the work will begin sometime after Oct. 1, the beginning of the next fiscal year.

The intersection can be a three-pronged nightmare. Bayshore traffic speeds north and south with vehicles feeding into the mix from Gandy Boulevard. The area is a popular track for runners, walkers and cyclists, and crossing is treacherous. The existing sidewalks are narrow in front of the Biglow-Helms Mansion and the Grand Court retirement village.

Gene Wells, president of Ballast Point Neighborhood Association, said his group has worked with others for the past five or six years on getting the improvements.

The groups asked for signs to better regulate traffic at the intersection, and the city erected a "Move on Green Only" sign to keep cars from turning on a red light.

Now comes word on better walkways.

"I'm very happy to hear that they're doing improvements," Wells said. "We've been looking for improvements there for quite some time."

In addition to the city's work, some of the sidewalk enhancements will come with the development of luxury townhomes on the Gandy side of the intersection.

- Denise Watson Batts can be reached at 226-3401 or dbatts@sptimes.com