DUNEDIN, Fla. — Skinner Boulevard in Dunedin has heavy traffic daily. The main function of the road is to move cars through downtown faster. City officials are now looking to change that, because more bikers, walkers, runners, etc. are now using the trail that runs through the busy road.
"I don't think people are looking for pedestrians too much even though there's a crosswalk," Fontana Cugino said. "There's also lights and flashing pedestrian signs" she added.
The popular Pinellas trail runs right through the middle of Skinner Blvd. Cugino and her friend Megan Fitch said they get nervous every time they get to the intersection.
"Speeds are very fast. It causes a situation where people don't feel comfortable on it," said Robert Ironsmith, the Director of Economic Development for Dunedin.
The speed limit is 35 miles per hour right before the trail, but it jumps to 40 miles per hour immediately after the trail.
"If they could just minimize the speed limit that would help with traffic coming through," said Fitch.
That's the plan in the city's new Skinner Boulevard revitalization project. According to Ironsmith, the project is a "five-year" plan. "It'll make a difference," he said.
The city plans to use grants to pay for the project. Forward Pinellas has already given Dunedin $100,000. City officials are going to apply for more grants.
Ironsmith says all city commissioners are supporting this project.
