Turn Lane on Skinner Boulevard to Disappear

Skinner Boulevard's right turn lane to nowhere may soon be eliminated.

Officials say removing the lane would allow for a bike lane and would help create a more pedestrian-friendly link between the north and south side of Skinner Boulevard.

The right-hand turn lane along the road leads drivers onto the residential, dead-end side of Douglas Avenue. City officials say the turn lane, which stretches the entire block between Martin Luther King Jr and Douglas avenues, is confusing for westbound drivers.

"Motorists get into the right turn lane thinking it is for Alt US 19 and then have to slide back into the through lane," city documents say.

The project includes reconstruction of the sidewalk, signs and pavement markings, curb and drainage inlets, construction for seven driveways and the addition of a bike lane leading to the Pinellas Trail.

City documents suggest that the Florida Department of Transportation agrees to fund up to $175,000 of the project as repayment for 2005 city-funded improvements to the Skinner and Bayshore Boulevard intersection.

The final project cost is unclear in city documents.

City officials are expected to approve the agreement with FDOT during Thursday's public meeting at City Hall.

Residents can attend at Dunedin City Hall or watch the meeting live beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday on Dunedin TV (Channel 615 for Bright House customers or Channel 15 for Knology and Verizon customers).

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