Pinellas Trail Enhancements Come to DowntownCLEARWATER – The city was awarded $1.39 million in stimulus money from the American Reinvestment & Recovery Act of 2009 to enhance the section of the Pinellas Trail that goes through downtown Clearwater. When the trail was completed in the 1990s, there was no designated trail through downtown Clearwater. A larger sidewalk later was built along East Avenue from Drew Street to Turner Avenue to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians. To be eligible for federal stimulus funding, the city was required to submit “shovel ready” plans, or plans that are complete in design and ready for implementation. Parks & Recreation staff came up with an idea to transform the southbound lane of East Avenue (from Drew Street to Turner Street) into a two-way bicycle lane. Engineering developed biddable plans with support from the Department of Transportation. The final plans were submitted, and the project was approved for federal funding. The City of Clearwater will be accepting bids through July 30th, and the City Council will award the contract on Aug. 20. Construction will begin this fall and will continue for 180 days. Contractors will mill and replace the existing pavement with a new asphalt type that is ideal for bikes and safer for pedestrians. When the project is complete, drivers will not be able to drive southbound on East Avenue from Drew Street to Turner Street. Vehicular traffic may use alternative routes such as Myrtle, Garden, or Fort Harrison avenues.
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