With the arrival of Spring Break, traditionally heavy traffic is heading for Clearwater Beach. Motorists are encouraged to drive to the beach during off-peak hours, before 11 a.m. or between 3 and 5 p.m. Clearwater Police are working to help move traffic and pedestrians safely around the beach, and drivers are reminded to use caution and obey the speed limit. Pedestrians should continue to use crosswalks. Construction on the Beach Walk project is continuing with the goal of having all work done for Super Bowl 2009, which is before Spring Break 2009.
The north end of South Gulfview Boulevard is closed, starting at the intersection at Coronado Drive and going south to just past the Hyatt property. While the road is closed, businesses along Gulfview Boulevard are open to welcome visitors. They are:
Nelson Construction is working on Phase II of Beach Walk. Their work includes realigning the road through the Pier 60 parking area and constructing wide promenades on both east and west sides of the new road.
Westra Construction is continuing their work. On Thursday March 15, there will be some road closures on Hamden Drive for final paving and restriping. When complete, there will be two southbound lanes for traffic going from the roundabout all the way to the Hess Station. There will be at least one lane of traffic for northbound traffic.
Visit www.myclearwater.com/beachwalk for more information. A map that shows available parking facilities on the beach is posted. Another map details the maintenance of traffic (MOT) plan. The MOT is subject to change as necessary.