Frequently Asked Questions and Virtual Meeting Responses for the Belcher Road and Gulf to Bay Intersection Project

The traffic signal at the south end of the shopping plazas on Belcher Road would only be removed if the Expanded Traffic Signal alternative is selected. With that alternative, the driveways into the plazas would become right-in/right-out only.

No. All alternatives will maintain the driveway as a right-in/right-out driveway

Depending on the alternative chosen, there could be significant inconveniences during construction. However, Pinellas County and its contractors will work to minimize the interruptions and impacts. Dates, times and detours will be identified during the design phase of the project.

Yes. All project alternatives are designed to accommodate large trucks.

Yes. Gulf to Bay is considered a critical evacuation route for Pinellas County and successful intersection improvements constructed during this project could be used in future improvements at other intersections along this corridor.

The signals are currently synchronized and optimized based on the intersection’s rated capacity.

The existing Gulf to Bay left turns are already set to allow only protected left turns from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day.

This location would not be an ideal candidate for this type of signal. An all-red stop is used in locations of high pedestrian movement from all directions of the intersection.

Crosswalks are required by law to be painted white.

Flashing speed limit signs could be installed if approved.

The intersection of US-19 and Tarpon Avenue (Keystone Road) has dual left-turn lanes with a right-turn lane for each direction.

Construction of an overpass will allow the Gulf to Bay Boulevard traffic quicker access to adjacent intersections.

It’s possible. Any proposed new or updated pedestrian crossings will be reviewed during the design phase of the project.

This will be determined in the design phase, but the alternative concept anticipates that the County will need to acquire three parcels.

This is an option under consideration. Traffic signal timing will be determined in the final design.

There is a median U-turn intersection in Concord, NC at Poplar Tent Road and Derita Road.

No, the median U-turn signals will be synchronized with the main traffic signal at the intersection of Belcher Road and Gulf to Bay. U-turns will be protected and only be allowed when the left-turn signal indicates it is safe to proceed.

There is the potential that some drivers will choose alternate routes based on personal preference.

The U-turns will be located on Gulf to Bay Boulevard near Mavis Tires & Brakes to the west and near Publix Liquors to the east.

By eliminating the left-turn lanes, more time is available for the movement of pedestrians through the intersection’s crosswalks. Pedestrian refuge areas/islands will also be constructed where the existing left-turn lanes are located.

Overhead and roadside signage will be constructed to inform local and visiting drivers how to use the intersection. This is an example sign from another location.

There will be more green-light time for northbound and southbound traffic on Belcher Road and additional time for the right-turns that will allow drivers enough time and space to navigate into the U-turn lanes.

At this time, a pedestrian overpass is not being considered for this location.

No. By using the median U-turn alternative, this traffic signal would remain in operation.

Yes. There will be dedicated right-turn lanes on Belcher Road.

The median U-turn would improve operations on Belcher Road by increasing the volume of traffic that can safely move through the intersection during green lights, reducing back-ups.