TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Gandy Boulevard Upgrade Intended To Improve, Beautify

The $20 million Department of Transportation project from Dale Mabry Highway to east of the Gandy Bridge includes a 30-foot-wide, landscaped center median, decorative brick crossings and new sidewalks and traffic signals.

ADVERTISEMENT

By RICH SHOPES, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 28, 2008

Updated: 01/27/2008 11:33 pm

TAMPA - Gandy Boulevard is getting a new look designed to make it safer and prettier.

The $20 million Department of Transportation project, from Dale Mabry Highway to east of the Gandy Bridge, includes a 30-foot-wide, landscaped center median, decorative brick crossings, and new sidewalks and traffic signals.

"First, we're doing it because we need to improve the road, the condition of the pavement," spokeswoman Kris Carson said. "We also want to be able to beautify the area ... and improve safety."

The project, begun this month, was held up nearly two years after bids came in too high and merchants complained the project's median would hurt business by preventing left turns except at intersections.

Left turns will be allowed at some businesses and at eight intersections: Manhattan Avenue, Dale Mabry Highway, Lois Avenue, West Shore Boulevard, Church Avenue, Clark Avenue, Bridge Street and Trask Street.

Medians are safer than center turn lanes because they reduce the number of places where crashes can occur. The project is expected to last about two years.

Reporter Rich Shopes can be reached at (813) 259-7633 or rshopes@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT