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Relief in time for April showers

Flooding at Court Street and Myrtle Avenue shows why better flood protection there is one of the construction goals.

By AARON SHAROCKMAN
Published January 3, 2006

CLEARWATER - Whether or not you think construction on Myrtle Avenue is moving too slowly, the end is now in sight. Work on the $15.8-million project is scheduled to wrap up in April, city officials say.

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT: Turning two-lane Myrtle into a busier four-lane road, the new Alt. U.S. 19 from Fort Harrison Avenue to Lakeview Road. Also, providing better flood protection for homes and businesses along the road.

HOW IT'S GOING: Work on the west two lanes is nearly done. Water line work continues on the east side of the road. The project is 75 percent complete, said Gary Johnson, Clearwater public services director.

A LONG TIME COMING: Construction started in April 2004 and was expected to take 18 months, according to the city. Hurricanes and unforeseen underground utility work delayed the project six months.

THE CONTRACTOR: Westra Construction of Palmetto is performing the work. That company also will build the first phase of the city's Beach Walk plan on Coronado Drive. That work will start this month, take one year and cost $9.85-million.

ENOUGH ALREADY: "It drags on and on and on," said Elaine Hess, 79, who lives on the 13th floor of Prospect Towers, an apartment complex for seniors that looks over the road work. "It's dangerous for people to walk around in the area. I'm surprised people haven't hurt themselves." Hess, a former Staten Island features reporter, said some construction projects seem to have an energy. Along Myrtle Avenue, "it's so mediocre," she said.

[Last modified January 3, 2006, 01:57:16]