The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is starting construction on a $2.7 million project to improve pedestrian safety at ten intersections along 4th Street in downtown St. Petersburg.

The project is similar to another FDOT project that was completed two years ago along 3rd Street in downtown. Construction involves rebuilding intersections to include new bulb-outs curb extensions, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, and other signs. The project will also resurface each intersection.

Bulb outs are extensions of the sidewalk that are used to narrow the roadway and provide additional pedestrian space.  

They are known to enhance pedestrian safety by increasing pedestrian visibility, shortening crossing distances, slowing turning vehicles, and visually narrowing the roadway. The result is an overall increase in safety for pedestrians and motorists.

Bulb outs have become common in downtown St. Pete as city and state agencies have completed road reconstruction projects.

Several bulb outs were previously completed in the Grand Central District along Central Avenue and near the St. Pete Pier along 2nd Avenue North.

FDOT’s latest project will reconstruct the intersections at 4th Street and the following avenues: 5th Avenue North, 4th Avenue North, 3rd Avenue North, 2nd Avenue North, 1st Avenue North, Central Avenue, 1st Avenue South, 2nd Avenue South, 3rd Avenue South, 4th Avenue South, and 5th Avenue South.

Residents can expect periodic lane closures and detours during the project. Currently a small stretch of 4th Avenue South near 4th Street is closed until January 20th.

Burgess Civil, LLC is the contractor for the project.

Completion is expected in early 2024. For more information or to sign up for project updates, visit FDOT Tampa Bay’s website.