Forest Lakes Boulevard Widening In Oldsmar Begins Feb. 4

OLDSMAR, FL -- Oldsmar is a step closer to getting some relief from congestion on Forest Lakes Boulevard. But motorists will have to put up with three years of construction first.

On Monday, Pinellas County will begin the widening of Forest Lakes Boulevard to a four-lane divided roadway with bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides of the road from west of Pine Avenue to east of Race Track Road.

Some portions of the road will require being completely reconstructed, the Pinellas County Public Works Department said. The projects also includes adding upgrades to the traffic signals at the intersections of Pine Avenue and Brooker Creek Road, new drainage inlets and drainage ditches.

Construction is scheduled for completion in July 2021.

The Public Works Department expects to keep traffic flowing most of the construction period but motorists may have to deal with lane shifts and detours at the affected intersections and intermittent nighttime lane closures.

Pinellas County unveiled plans for the $12.7 million widening at a public meeting in June (see related story).

“This project has been in the making for the last 10 years,” said engineering section manager Greg Cutrone. He said county traffic studies bore out the complaints from drivers about congestion on the road.

According to traffic studies, Forest Lakes Boulevard averaged 23,000 vehicles daily in both directions in 2016. That figure is expected to increase to 24,600 by the end of 2019. By 2039, the road is projected to be used by 35,000 drivers each day.

"We believe this project, which also adds shoulders on both sides of the road, will greatly enhance the traffic flow on Forest Lakes," he said.

Most of the project is being funded by the Penny for Pinellas tax with some money coming from the Florida Department of Transportation through a county incentive grant. The city of Oldsmar is also kicking in $400,000 to relocate some utility poles.

For more information on the project, click here.

Images via Pinellas County

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