INDIAN SHORES, Fla. — Puddles in bike and walking lanes along Pinellas County's Gulf Boulevard may be putting pedestrians in danger. That's the worry of leaders in Indian Shores who say drainage issues are creating a dangerous situation as rainfall continues in Tampa Bay.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) previously used pervious asphalt to try to help with the drainage, but Indian Shores leaders say it didn’t work may have even made the problem worse.
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When it rains, water ponds in the pedestrian and bicycle lanes and out into the road. The Indian Shores Police Chief says this has created a problem with people going into the car lanes to avoid puddles and not using the crosswalks because they're flooded.
With more rain in the forecast over the upcoming summer months, Indian Shores leaders worry a walker or biker could be at risk of getting hit.
FDOT tells ABC Action News they are aware of the drainage problems along Gulf Boulevard and work will start in September to begin alleviating some of the problems.
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Indian Shores leaders are also urging FDOT to include the construction of curbs and sidewalks as part of the design of the project.
FDOT says the project will include trench drains in locations where water ponds and replacing the pervious pavement along Gulf Boulevard from Park Boulevard to Walsingham Road, including the construction of two new pedestrian crosswalks and 0.5 miles of sidewalks on the South side of the street.
A public visioning workshop for safety changes along Gulf Boulevard will be held Wednesday night, June 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1507 Bay Palm Boulevard.
