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Businesses and drivers navigate through US 19 construction in Pinellas

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PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Construction continues on an overhaul of U.S. 19 in Pinellas County, north of State Road 580.

What You Need To Know

  • FDOT continues construction on U.S. 19 between State Road 580 and County Rd 39

  • The project will covert that stretch of U.S. 19 into what’s called a “controlled access roadway”

  • Businesses and drivers have been frustrated by traffic delays

  • The project is expected to be done in 2029


But the ongoing road work is causing some issues for the many businesses and drivers on that stretch of road.

When Ean Neville opened Bonsai Beverage Company in Clearwater two years ago, he achieved something he always wanted: Own a local coffee shop near where he grew up.

“It was a little bit stressful at first. We weren’t sure what to expect,” Neville said.

That’s because the work on U.S. 19 started just two weeks before he opened his doors for the first time.

“It was pretty bad for a while as the construction started to ramp up. People just tried to avoid this area at all costs,” Neville said.

He says those first few months especially were rough.

FDOT project rendering

Nearly two years later, he and his customers are now more used to it.

However, crews shut down the right turn lane from SR-580 to Curlew Road, making it harder to get into his location and other businesses. It’s also caused additional traffic during rush hour.

“It’s just dangerous. People want to turn into these businesses. They have people flying up from behind them at 80 mph. I’m surprised there are not more accidents,” Neville said.

The construction is an FDOT project to convert that stretch of U.S. 19 into what’s called a “controlled access roadway,” similar to how U.S. 19 looks south of SR-580.  

The main lanes of U.S. 19 will be raised. Frontage roads along the side will be used to get to and from the businesses and neighborhoods there.

The idea is to improve traffic flow in a busy area.

Neville is hopeful it may help his business when it’s finally done.

“It will be nice at some point when it’s finished it to have the turnarounds and frontage roads,” Neville said.

Neville says he’ll have to be patient, as the project won’t be done until 2029.

The construction on US 19 goes from SR-580 up to County Road 39, which is just north of Curlew Road. When done, the project will also include a new pedestrian overpass and underpass.

FDOT officials say the construction is on schedule. They also ask that drivers watch out for crews at work, especially during overnight hours.

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Tim Wronka

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