PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation is now considering creating a series of displaced left-turn intersections along eight miles of U.S. 19 in Pinellas County.
RELATED: FDOT considering continuous-flow intersections at four Tampa Bay area intersections
The displaced left-turn intersections, also called continuous flow intersections, would be in several spots along U.S. 19. Including the intersections of ALT-19, Tampa Road, Alderman Road, Klosterman Road, Tarpon Avenue and Flora Avenue.
These displaced left turns would be futher North of overpasses already proposed along US 19 from 580 to Curlew Road.
The idea is to improve safety by eliminating potential conflicts between turning cars and helping traffic move more efficiently through the intersection.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is now encouraging states to consider CFIs to improve intersection efficiency. Engineers say drivers often will only stop one time, if at all.
The continuous flow intersection is an innovative design to help improve safety and mobility by redirecting some or all left hand turns at a major signalized intersection.
FDOT conducted a review based on current traffic forecasts for the year 2040.
The next steps in this process will be coming up with a design for a displaced left-turn intersection at Tarpon Avenue and U.S. 19 and developing right-of-way and construction cost estimates, according to FDOT.
DRIVING TAMPA BAY FORWARD | The latest headlines on safety and infrastructure in the Tampa Bay area
No money is currently committed to the designing or construction of this project, according to a state report.
FDOT recently opened the first one ever constructed in the state in Lee County at State Road 82 at Daniels Parkway and Gunnery Road. FDOT said this is preventing back-ups and some accidents by eliminating the left turn signal at the main intersection.
