PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — As construction ramps up on the U.S. 19 overhaul in Pinellas, frustration is growing among drivers and businesses in the work zone.

What You Need To Know

  • Construction continues the U.S. 19 reconfiguration from State Road 580 to north of Curlew Road

  • Some businesses and drivers are frustrated by the extra traffic from the lane closures

  • FDOT officials say the $242 million project is estimated to be done in 2029

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is reconfiguring U.S. 19 from State Road 580 to north of Curlew Road.

Tom Layton has been repairing cars at Roberts Collision in Clearwater for 25 years. The entrance to his business has been right in the thick of the road work for the past year.

“We’re just trying to be where we’ve always been,” Layton said. “I’m sure along the way we’ve lost some customers. They say this is scary, and off they go.”

One of the big changes came earlier this year as the project moved forward.

FDOT removed the frontage road that was outside Roberts Collision and the other businesses on U.S. 19 just north of State Road 580, which can cause a choke point for northbound traffic.

Crews also closed the right lane in both directions up to Curlew Road.

“With the frontage road, it made life much easier than it is now. Because people are having to flip over at the last minute to and get in,” Layton said.

That can especially be a problem during the rush hour.

Layton says he now sees delays every afternoon, from the Countryside Mall to Curlew Road.   

“At about 4 p.m., it is packed solid out here,” Layton said.

FDOT officials say the project should ultimately help with the traffic.

It will make U.S. 19 operate similar to how it does south of State Road 580, with six-lane overpasses and new frontage roads to help with traffic flow.

Layton hopes that the changes will be worth the long wait.

“We all have our fingers crossed. We’re working hard to keep our customers’ confidence of getting in and out and trying to navigate this. But it’s just another thing that we really didn’t need,” Layton said.

FDOT officials say the $242 million project is estimated to be done in 2029.

In the meantime, FDOT officials say a permanent change to the existing traffic pattern in front of Roberts Collision will be made in mid-2026. A new single-lane frontage road will allow drivers to access the businesses there easier.

Officials also say that as work progresses on this project, drivers can expect some changes to traffic patterns.