The Florida Department of Transportation’s reconstruction efforts along Busch Boulevard in Tampa are now underway. The project consists of resurfacing the roadway, replacing traffic signals, upgrading sidewalks, and modifying medians.
Specifically, workers will remove and resurface the asphalt along Busch Boulevard from Florida Avenue to 56th Street. Also, 19 median openings will be closed and 15 openings will be changed to comply with FDOT standards. The traffic signals and poles between Nebraska Avenue and 56th Street will be replaced with hurricane resistant equipment and pedestrian countdown signals will be added through that region. The City of Temple Terrace will also upgrade sidewalk ramps throughout the project to comply with ADA requirements. Finally, decorative tile inlays will be placed in the sidewalk around the 56th St. intersection and new landscaping will be installed from 52nd to 56th Streets.
Construction crews will impose nightly lane closures and limited day closures during the project.
Here are some additional fast facts about this construction:
Contractor: Pepper Contracting
Project Cost: $9.5 million
Project Length: 4.2 miles
Project Start: The contractor began September 22, 2008.
Project Completion: The work is expected to be complete in 245 days.
Monday evening’s heavy rains forced construction officials to delay the traffic pattern shift scheduled to take place Tuesday, October 7th.
Southbound SR-60 drivers instead will be directed toward the new traffic pattern on Wednesday, October 8th.
Beginning Wednesday, drivers exiting for TIA should once again bear RIGHT which is opposite from the current route temporarily in effect for construction purposes. I-275 north and south drivers will also continue to bear RIGHT. The off-ramp for Spruce Street will remain on the LEFT until later this year.
Drivers along SR-60 near TIA will have to deal with more delays as another traffic pattern shift is put in place on Tuesday, October 7th.
Beginning Tuesday morning, drivers exiting eastbound State Road 60 (southbound Veterans Expressway/ Memorial Highway) to Tampa International Airport will once again do so from the RIGHT lane. Currently, motorists exit to the LEFT going to Tampa International Airport (TIA) or eastbound Spruce Street. This temporary exit configuration was put into place on September 15th for construction purposes. While the TIA exit will return to a right side on Tuesday, Spruce Street will not switch to a right exit until later this year. Drivers are reminded to remain alert and pay attention to signs and other vehicles as motorists adjust to the new conditions.
TIPS—Beginning Tuesday, October 7
* If going to TIA on EB SR 60/southbound Memorial Highway—get into the right lane when it is safe to do so.
* If going to Spruce Street on EB SR 60/southbound Memorial Highway—get into one of the two left lanes when it is safe to do so.
* If continuing south to I-275 or Kennedy Boulevard, stay in one of the right two lanes.
* Watch your speed! The speed limit has been reduced to 40 MPH in this area.
October marks the Bay Area Commuter Services’ (BACS) 12th Annual Commuter Choices Weeks (CCW). This month long series of events helps to educate the general public, local government and the media about commute options and the benefits of reducing traffic congestion and going greener by helping to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Participants are asked to give up driving alone to work for one or more days during the month and to register their commute choice (carpooling, vanpooling, taking the bus, bicycling, walking, teleworking) on the BACS website http://www.TampaBayRideshare.org. Area events are fun and informative - designed to get the community interesting in green commuting options. Here’s the schedule of events:
- Party on Poe Plaza – Monday, October 6, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Downtown Tampa: Poe Plaza between Tampa City Center and Hyatt Regency)
- Clearwater Commuter Celebration – Wednesday, October 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Downtown Clearwater: City Hall parking lot (Osceola Ave & Pierce St))
- Pasco County Commuter Fair – Thursday, October 9, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (West Pasco Government Center: 7530 Little Road, New Port Richey)
- Festival on First Central Tower Plaza – Friday, October 10, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Downtown St. Petersburg: First Central Tower at Central and 4th Street (360 Central Ave))
- Way to Go Westshore Festival – Tuesday, October 14, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Westshore Business District: The Towers at Westshore parking lot (1408-1410 Westshore Blvd N))
- Ride Green Day – Wednesday, October 15, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. University of South Florida: Bull Market)
- Travel Hernando Today: Commute Choices – Wednesday, October 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Hernando Historic Courthouse (20 N. Main Street, Brooksville))
For additional CCW and GoLog© information contact BACS, “The Way to Go…Greener!” people, at 800‑998‑RIDE or online at TampaBayRideshare.org and TampaBayRideshare.org/ccw08.htm.
We all had a great time Tuesday morning welcoming Matt and Al from the Today Show at the University of Tampa. I can’t believe how many supporters came out so early!!!!
Here are several pictures from the morning… enjoy!
Jennifer Hill, Bill Ratliff, Matt Lauer, Gayle Guyardo, and Alicia Roberts
Matt Lauer, Gayle Guyardo, and Alicia Roberts
Matt Lauer, Gayle Guyardo, and Alicia Roberts
According to FDOT officials, Eastbound SR 60, Southbound Memorial Highway, and Southbound Veterans Expressway traffic is scheduled to be switched to a new alignment early Monday morning (by 5:30 a.m.), September 15th. Traffic will be in this new alignment from just south of the Courtney Campbell Parkway to Cypress Street.
As a result of this traffic switch, motorists will have to exit to the LEFT going to Tampa International Airport (TIA) or eastbound Spruce Street. This exit configuration will be temporary; the TIA exit will return to a right side exit within about one month while Spruce Street will switch to a right exit within several months.
Drivers are reminded to be especially alert and pay attention to signs and other vehicles as motorists adjust to the new conditions next week.
Deputies are still investigating a serious accident in northwest Hillsborough County at this hour.
The accident happened around 2:40 this morning when a vehicle ran off the road near the intersection of Van ##### and Whirley Roads and crashed. One person was flown out by helicopter to a local hospital. The dispatchers are not releasing the condition of the victim.
The collision also took down power lines at the intersection. TECO crews remain on scene working to restore electricity.
In the meantime, Van ##### Road is closed between Whirley Road and Calusa Trace Boulevard. Officials anticipate the closure to remain in place through the 7 am hour. Commuters should plan to use alternate roadways.
*** As of 8 am, Tampa Electric is currently on scene blocking the westbound lane of Van ##### Road. The Sheriff Department is also on scene alternating eastbound and westbound traffic through using the available eastbound lane.
The intersection of 38th Avenue North and 16th Street North in St. Petersburg remains blocked due to an accident.
According to officials, a vehicle collided with a Bud beer truck shortly before 5:00 am Thursday morning. Three people were injured.
St. Petersburg Police on scene hope to reopen the intersection by 7:30 this morning. In the meantime, traffic is being locally detoured.
Even though gasoline prices have fallen significantly from July’s peak retail levels, the summer travel season could close with its third consecutive decline in holiday travel this year if the projected number of people traveling for Labor Day Weekend is accurate.
Nationwide, 34.4 million Americans are projected to travel a distance of at least 50 miles from home and that number represents a 1.1 percent decline in the total number of travelers from Labor Day, 2007. Travel figures for Memorial Weekend and Independence Day were also down compared to last year.
In the Southeast, the number of people traveling over the holiday weekend will likely be down by 0.6 percent compared to last year, based on a national phone survey of more than 2,000 adults contacted for AAA by the Travel Industry Association of America. Also in the Southeast, the number of people who stated they will drive is down by 0.8 percent, while the number of people who said they will travel by plane is down by 3.7 percent compared to last year.
The greatest number of Labor Day weekend travelers will originate in the West with 9 million; followed by the Southeast, 8 million; Midwest, 6.3 million; Northeast, 6 million; and Great Lakes, 5.1 million.
Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority will be finishing its paving work next week with closures of three Selmon Expressway ramps.
On Wednesday, September 3, beginning at 7 pm, the Morgan Street exit eastbound and the Kennedy exit westbound exit will be closed until 5 am, September 4
On Thursday, September 4, the 22nd Street eastbound entrance and exit will be closed from 7 pm until 5 am September 5 as well as on September 5 from 7 pm to 5 am September 6.
All ramps will be open between 5 am and 7 pm during these days.
Please be advised that unforeseen circumstances such as weather may affect the schedule.
Tribune photo by JULIE BUSCH
The center lane of northbound 50th Street (U.S. 41) is closed from Columbus Drive to south of Interstate 4 because of a large sinkhole.
In addition, the right lane remains closed as crews have their equipment on site to inspect and repair the depression. Just the left northbound lane is open to traffic.
The closures are expected to remain through Thursday afternoon, when repairs are scheduled to be completed. The cause of the sinkhole has not been confirmed.
Southbound lanes are not affected.
Officials have suspended service for the Lakeland Area Mass Transit Services. No service will be available on Tuesday for the Citrus Connection, Winter Haven Area Transit, and Polk County Transit Services.
Service will resume on Wednesday, August 20th.
Amtrak Service has been suspended in the state of Florida for Tuesday in response to heavy rains and winds from Fay. This includes service on trains 52, 53, 91, 92, 97, 98.
Officials plan to watch the path of Fay to determine if service will be halted for Wednesday as well.
AAA wants drivers to be prepared for driving in wet weather.
First, if you don’t have to drive during a storm, stay off of the roads. It is the best way to keep your family safe. Flooded and debris covered roadways can put you in serious danger. Visibility, traction, steering and braking may all be impaired.
If you do have to head out during bad weather, be extremely careful. On wet roads, motorists must allow more space between vehicles. More space is required to brake safely.
Here are several reminders for dealing with unfavorable roadway conditions:
Low Visibility
When visibility is poor, the odds of having a collision in wet weather significantly increase. Hard rain can limit visibility and make it difficult to see the road, traffic signs, and other vehicles. Motorists should:
- Keep windshield and windows clean
- Make sure windshield wipers are new or clean
- Use defroster to keep front and rear windshields clean
- If windows gets foggy, slightly open a window and turn the defroster fan to a high speed
- If a vehicle is not equipped with daytime running lights, use low-beam headlights
- If visibility is so reduced that it’s impossible to see the road, other vehicles or traffic signs, pull off safely to the side of the road and wait.
- If you do pull off to the side of the road, be sure to turn your headlights off and your emergency flashes on.
Reduced-traction Driving
Poor traction is especially dangerous during the first 10 minutes of a heavy downpour. Oil and debris from the roads will rise up and later wash away. When motorists are aware of how to maneuver a vehicle in poor traction areas, it will reduce the chance of hydroplaning, skidding or getting caught in mud.
- If wheels are stuck in the mud or soft shoulder, apply power slowly
- To reduce chances of hydroplaning, slow down, avoid braking hard or making sharp turns
- If rear wheels skid, ease foot off the brake; if front wheels skid, ease off the gas.
Avoiding Collisions
- Motorists should always drive defensively to avoid a collision. If an obstacle is encountered, it is better to steer around it, than to brake at speeds above 25 mph.
- Avoid using cruise control in wet weather, because at specific speeds, it increases the chance of losing control of your vehicle.
- Try to remain off roadways unless absolutely necessary or until the weather improves. Remain aware of road conditions, stay tuned to weather forecasts and be prepared for challenging situations in the event that you must drive.
In order to help facilitate evacuations as Tropical Storm Fay approaches, the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority will suspend all tolls beginning at 6 a.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2008. Tolls will be suspended until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, (This may change to a later time pending development of weather conditions.)
In addition, the Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will remain open in the eastbound direction until 6 a.m., Thursday, August 21, 2008. Again, tolls will be suspended on the REL until 4 p.m. Wednesday.
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