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U.S. 19 work may be completed before deadline
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
| Article published on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/092707_par-01.jpg) |
| Photo by THOMAS MICHALSKI |
| Workers pave one of several local roads that are earmarked for improvements. |
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PINELLAS PARK – Work on an $89 million road construction project on U.S. 19 is expected to be completed months ahead of schedule.
The work to improve traffic flow on the road between 49th Street and 118th Avenue includes widening the artery, construction of two flyover bridges over intersections and elimination of at least two traffic signal lights.
The work is part of an overall master plan to meet present and future mass transportation buildup that is expected as more people move into the area.
Scott C. Pinheiro, director of engineering services, said the work is being conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation. He said costs for the city’s relocation of utility equipment came to $349,000, with the city paying $206,498 and the DOT picking up the difference.
To build the new road and flyovers called for DOT to coordinate efforts with the city, TECO People’s Gas, Verizon, Progress Energy and others.
The city had to move, among other things, regular and reclaimed water lines. Some mast arm signal lights also had to be relocated.
Mast arm units are concrete-based posts with suspended extenders across roads that carry the weight of traffic lights and signs.
The city also is responsible for handling complaints from residents and motorists caused by the construction.
“Often people complain about traffic issues and potholes and we contact the DOT contractors,” Pinheiro said.
Pinheiro said the cost of the project will probably increase because of a $3 million incentive to finish the job early. He said it appears that the project at the rate it is presently proceeding will be done about six months ahead of schedule.
The city, meanwhile, is gearing up for its annual paving and road maintenance projects. Randal A. Roberts, streets and drain division director, said a number of roads have been earmarked for improvements.
The city also will begin relining some of the city’s storm drains. Roberts said the existing lines will be bolstered with a fiber and resin-based material that lasts longer than galvanized pipe. That process also eliminates the need for having to tear up streets and other property to remove the old drains.
“The cost of relining present pipes is one third the price of replacing the 1970s-era drains,” Roberts said.
The relining material is installed into pipe as a large balloon and then heated with water. It then adheres to the inside of the pipe and produces a surface that will last up to 50 years as opposed to 30 years for a galvanized pipe.
“We don’t have to dig up streets and lawns,” Roberts said. “That means the work is less intrusive for the residents who will not have to deal with the obstacles involved in the normal reinstallation process.”
The process will be accomplished in various sections of the city.
The city always has experienced flooding problems. Shaped like a large bowl, many farms were washed away in the early 1900s after major storms. Flooding issues continued over the years. During the last decade, however, the city has done major improvements to its storm water removal process that has all but eliminated flooding.
Most notable is the ongoing Park Boulevard Stormwater Project, a three-phase program that is in its second phase. Once completed, officials said, only very major storms will cause flooding problems.
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Article published on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007
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