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Seawall work under way

By LORRIE LYKINS
Published February 11, 2007

What is going on in Snell Isle? Construction around one of the bridges has prompted several questions from readers who wonder what's happening and want to know whether the bridge is slated to be replaced. The short answer is no.

The construction around the bridge on Overlook Drive NE between Snell Isle and Shore Acres is part of a seawall replacement project, said Michael Frederick, the city's director of transportation.

The existing steel pilings were corroded, and sections were falling apart, he said.

The pilings are being replaced with concrete sheeting. The project is scheduled to be done in April.

MORE ON STOP BARS

Secret of stop bars a secret to many drivers

Last week's discussion of stop bars that bedevil motorists prompted lots of e-mail. Readers shared tales of finding themselves trapped behind motorists who blithely sat through several light cycles waiting for a turn light, unaware that they had the capability of triggering the lights all along had they positioned their front tires on or slightly over the white thermal pad on the roadway.

Reader Rick Noyes wrote to say that he's stunned by drivers that he has encountered who don't seem to have a clue about stop bars.

"I had a co-worker who told me he was upset every time he went to see his girl because the left turn signal would never change. I asked him where, and he told me it was the corner I used to get home. I explained about the trip, and he said he never heard of such a thing (he was in his 50s at the time)," Noyes wrote.

Perhaps one of the contributing factors here is that stop bars have not been around as long as a lot of drivers have been on the road, leaving veteran drivers out of the loop. Literally.

54TH AVENUE N

Pedestrians have right of way in crosswalks

A Lealman resident wrote last week to ask that law enforcement keep an eye on a particular crosswalk. Edwin Schenk wrote: "On 54th Avenue N, just east of Park St., there is a beautiful crosswalk. It has flashing yellow lights, an island and a striped crosswalk. Even with all this, motorists do not stop or even slow down when one crosses this street. Could you get a deputy to monitor this crosswalk?"

This crosswalk is near the Five Towns community, and I know that lots of residents walk or ride their bikes to the shopping center on that corner. Residents of a mobile home community on the south side of 54th also use the crosswalk. Motorists should be aware that pedestrians in the crosswalk have the right of way. Translation: You are required to stop for them.

PARK BOULEVARD

Work closes westbound lane at 58th Street

Construction in Pinellas Park will close one lane of westbound Park Boulevard at 58th Street today. City spokesman Tim Caddell said workers will replace the surface around the railroad tracks this weekend. The plan is to have the lane reopened in time for Monday morning rush hour.

The project will continue next weekend with eastbound lanes scheduled for resurfacing Saturday and Sunday, Caddell said.

NINTH AVENUE N

Utility work requires lane closings, rerouting

A utility project on Ninth Avenue N from 40th to 39th streets is set to begin Monday and is expected to last about three months. The project will proceed when ongoing work on the 39th Street alley between Ninth and 11th Avenues N is completed. The work on rehabilitation of the wastewater line will require lane closings and rerouting. Eastbound traffic will be narrowed to one lane, and westbound traffic will be routed onto the other eastbound lane. Lane closures will include parts of 40th Street, and 39th Street will be closed on the north and south sides of Ninth Avenue N.

Please share your traffic concerns, comments and questions with Dr. Delay via e-mail at docdelay@yahoo.com.

[Last modified February 11, 2007, 00:13:39]