Transportation Improvements Coming to Downtown St. Pete
~~ Transportation Leaders Accept DTSP Mobility Study Recommended Actions~~
ST. PETERSBURG, FL —- In June 2022, Forward Pinellas and the City of St. Petersburg accepted the final recommendations from the Downtown St. Petersburg Mobility Study, which defines a series of recommended projects and studies that will create a more reliable, accessible and efficient transportation system. After many listening sessions, surveys, community conversations, and other engagement opportunities, we identified recommendations directly based on the community’s ideas to improve mobility, livability, and economic vitality.
“I’m very thankful for the excellent community conversations we have been able to incorporate into the final recommendations of the Downtown St. Petersburg Mobility Study,” said Forward Pinellas Executive Director Whit Blanton. “I am thankful for the incredible partnership from the City of St. Petersburg and the Florida Department of Transportation as we envision a safe and equitable future for our communities.”
Building upon currently planned projects that include widening and safety improvements for I-275 between Gandy Blvd. and I-375, safety improvements for 5th Avenue N, and the SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit project now under construction, the following short-term, recommended actions from this study are designed to propel the City’s goal of enhancing Downtown St. Pete as a vibrant, unique, and walkable place that benefits everyone:
- Convert 3rd/4th St and 8th/Dr. MLK Jr. St. to two-way streets and incorporate continuous bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the corridor
- Implement several studies to further understand the feasibility and impacts of modifications or removal of I-175 and develop conceptual design alternatives
- Implement several projects designed to improve mobility, safety, and accessibility to hospitals and other key destinations within downtown
The Downtown St. Petersburg Mobility Study is an initial high-level look at the downtown network to assess the feasibility of these various transportation modifications. It was developed in close collaboration with the public, with four broad phases of outreach throughout the process. Overall, the public was in favor of the two-way conversion/lane-reallocation projects and the modifications to I-175. All of the identified projects will complement the City’s Complete Streets Implementation Plan and 2050 Vision.
While indicating these are feasible concepts, the DTSP Mobility Study is very much at a planning level. Moving forward, funding will need to be to be identified for each of these projects, and further study is needed to determine next steps, including specific signalization and roadway design considerations. The Florida Department of Transportation is moving forward with an engineering study for I-175, exploring the feasibility of three potential alternatives that include partial removal and conversion to a boulevard, modification of the interstate spur, and a no-build scenario. Preliminary engineering and design will be needed for the two-way street conversions before construction can begin. Opportunities for involvement will be provided throughout the process.
For more information and to stay up to date, click here: ForwardPinellas.org/DTSP
For more information on Forward Pinellas, visit www.ForwardPinellas.org.
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