Next Phase Of West Bay Drive Improvements Get Underway

LARGO, FL — Sidewalk construction will shift from the north side to the south side of West Bay Drive beginning Jan. 6 as work continues on the City of Largo's $3.51 million corridor improvements project intended to revitalize the city's downtown.

Nelson Construction expects the outside eastbound lane of West Bay Drive to be closed for about five months, though work could be completed sooner.

Drivers coming from points to the west such as Indian Rocks Road and the beach communities can expect delays traveling east and should consider alternate routes such as 8th Avenue Southwest or Ulmerton Road.

The sidewalk construction is part of the West Bay Corridor Downtown Improvements Projectpresented to the public in August as part of Largo's downtown revitalization plan, which includes a new Downtown Plaza and gateway park on the southwest corner of West Bay Drive and Seminole Boulevard/Missouri Avenue.

The improvements are being done in conjunction with construction of the West Bay Lofts mixed-used development at the 500 and 600 blocks of West Bay Drive and the new town home community on the south side of West Bay Drive and Ridge Road.

Now under construction, West Bay Lofts is a $48.8 million project that includes a five-story building on the 500 block of West Bay Drive and a three-story building on the 600 block.

The new townhome community will include 16 three-story townhomes with rooftop decks.

The improvements will also coincide with the construction of a new trailhead at West Bay Drive and the Pinellas Trail. The city obtained a grant to build the trailhead and paint the Pinellas Trail bridge over West Bay to encourage those using the Pinellas Trail to get off and explore downtown Largo.

Construction began Oct. 7 and is expected to be completed in July. Most of the work will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. but West Bay Drive will remain open throughout construction with sidewalk access to businesses maintained at all times. Public parking lots will remain open as well and on-street parking will be available.

Residents can expect to see:

New Lighting Features

The existing aging and inefficient 30-foot poles will be replaced with modern 18-foot-poles which will provide LED lighting for both roadways and walkways, have the capability for 5G telecommunications infrastructure and accommodate electrical outlets for holiday lights and banner masts.

New Mid-Block Crossings

There will be two new mid-block crossings across West Bay Drive west of 2nd Street and west of 5th Street with high-visibility crosswalks and pedestrian-activated flashing beacons.

New Sidewalks

The city will reconstruct the cracked and aging sidewalks from Missouri Avenue/Seminole Boulevard to Clearwater-Largo Road. The new sidewalks will align with curb ramps and will be constructed with materials designed to minimize cracking. The crosswalks will be adjusted and rebuilt with brick. And a bulb-out curb extension will be installed at 1st Street Southwest.

Resurfacing

Milling, resurfacing, and re-striping of the asphalt surface will improve the look and feel of West Bay Drive from Missouri Avenue/Seminole Boulevard to Clearwater-Largo Road. In addition, the diagonal parking lots from 4th Street Southwest to Ridge Road will be improved.

Roadway Features

The city will install updated benches, bike racks, waste receptacles and bus shelters.