For Clearwater residents and visitors alike, navigating the city has become a bit of a puzzle with numerous roadworks in the mix. A heads-up to drivers: Devon and Coronado drives are intersecting with closures; the blockage is due to persist Tomorrow as utility repairs are underway. According to the City of Clearwater Government, the detours are clearly marked, so keep an eye out for those signs guiding you around the closed right lane north of Second Street on Coronado Drive.
Add to this, Clearwater's essential right-of-way maintenance projects. Starting July 15, the tireless crews began re-striping Fort Harrison Avenue, working weekday hours from the early bird's first song right up until 3 p.m. Designed to keep in line with both the north and southbound traffic, the project will smoothly run, taking approximately 2 to 3 weeks, weather being the puppet master of fate here, so drivers should be extra cautious of workers crowding near the roads.
Not forgetting the active locals and beachgoers, the Courtney Campbell Trail is on the mend with sections being rejuvenated or entirely shut down over the next months. The onslaught brought by Hurricane Idalia hasn't been forgotten; it's the catalyst for asphalt work, guardrail replacements, curb and sidewalk revivals along the path that stretches from Courtney Campbell Beach to Ben T. Davis Beach.
Looking ahead, a major overhaul is on the horizon for a stretch of U.S. 19 running south from Curlew Road to State Road 580 with the goal of a significant transformation by 2029. Walking the line between functionality and safety, the renovations boast of new interchanges and a pedestrian bridge that will sail over U.S. 19 at Northside Drive. Shared by the City of Clearwater Government website anticipation is building for this grand infrastructure ballet.
Lastly, the long haul for commuters and residents around Old Coachman Road. As of January 2024, the road will be a no-go due to bridge replacement efforts stretching out until Fall 2026. The detour, running strictly along U.S. 19, won't be an obstacle course for accessing homes, recreational centers such as BayCare Ballpark, or local businesses. Through the maze of construction, life will navigate with the assurance of maintained access, as stated on the City of Clearwater Government.
