Ruth Haines
Construction at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) in Clearwater, Florida, is an ongoing process. The airport is located just north of St. Petersburg and is a medium-sized, multi-use airport that serves civil and military aviation, flight training operations, air carriers, and a law-enforcement aviation unit. In 2019, major construction began at PIE, with a $545 million project that included building a new airport access road, a signalized intersection, and a permanent roadway connection. This construction is part of the larger Gateway Expressway construction project, which aims to provide direct connections to nearby highways and relieve congestion on surrounding roads. While the initial completion date was set for late 2021, sources indicate that the project is now expected to be finished by summer 2022.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Airport | St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport |
| Location | Clearwater, Florida |
| Proximity to Tampa International Airport | 9 miles |
| Proximity to MacDill Air Force Base | 9 miles |
| Proximity to Albert Whited Airport | 9 miles |
| Ongoing Construction Project | FDOT's Gateway Expressway Project |
| Construction Project Cost | $545 million to $580 million |
| Expected Completion Date | Late 2021 or Summer 2022 |
| Impact of Construction | Delays, temporary closure of short-term parking lots, and Ground Transportation Lot |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Construction is part of the $580 million Gateway Expressway Project
- The project includes the creation of two new four-lane elevated toll roads
- Construction began in 2019 and was expected to be completed by 2022
- The project will improve connections between U.S. 19 and I-275, as well as the Bayside Bridge
- The airport's Ground Transportation Lot was closed for 30-60 days as a result
Construction is part of the $580 million Gateway Expressway Project
Construction at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is part of the $580 million Gateway Expressway Project, which began in February 2019. The project includes the creation of two new four-lane elevated toll roads, providing direct connections between U.S. 19 and I-275, as well as the Bayside Bridge and I-275. The project aims to relieve congestion on surrounding roads, such as Ulmerton and Roosevelt Roads and 118th Avenue.
As part of the construction, a new entrance to the airport was opened overnight, and the Ground Transportation Lot was closed for 30 to 60 days. The short-term parking lot was also closed for approximately six months, with drivers directed to use the cell phone or long-term parking lots instead. The construction also affected airport access, with a new airport access road parallel to SR 686, a new signalized intersection at Terminal Boulevard, and a permanent roadway connection at Fairchild Drive north of the existing signal at Airport Parkway from Westbound SR 686.
The Gateway Expressway Project is expected to improve travel to and from the airport, providing express connections to major roadways. The project was initially expected to be completed by late 2021, with an updated expected completion date of summer 2022. During the construction, travellers were urged to plan for extra time when travelling to and from the airport.
The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, located in Clearwater, Florida, is a medium-sized multi-use airport that serves both civil and military aviation. The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1941 when it was acquired by the United States Army Air Forces and used as a military flight training base during World War II. Today, the airport continues to serve a variety of aircraft and is an important transportation hub in the region.
Runways of Zurich Airport: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The project includes the creation of two new four-lane elevated toll roads
Construction at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is part of the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) $580 million Gateway Expressway Project. The project includes the creation of two new four-lane elevated toll roads, which will provide direct connections between U.S. 19 and I-275, as well as the Bayside Bridge and I-275. This construction is expected to relieve congestion on surrounding roads, including Ulmerton and Roosevelt Roads and 118th Avenue. The project also includes the construction of a new airport access road parallel to SR 686, a new signalized intersection at Terminal Boulevard, and a permanent roadway connection at Fairchild Drive north of the existing signal at Airport Parkway from Westbound SR 686.
The construction has impacted travel to and from the airport, with the Ground Transportation Lot and short-term parking lot closed for several months. Airport ground transportation, hotel, and rental car shuttle providers are picking up passengers in front of the terminal, and drivers awaiting passenger pickup are directed to use the cell phone or long-term parking lots. The construction is also affecting airport parking, with the Key Lime PIE Economy Lot and Airport Employee Lots accessible from 144th Avenue, and the Strawberry PIE Economy Lot accessible only from internal roads via Airport Parkway to Fairchild Drive. Crews are on-site to help direct traffic and guide people to the correct locations.
The Gateway Expressway Project is a major undertaking, with a projected cost of $545-580 million. The project is expected to be completed by late 2021 or summer 2022. During construction, travellers are urged to plan for extra time when travelling to and from the airport and to stay informed about road closures and delays. Florida residents and visitors can find information on travel times, construction updates, lane closures, crashes, and congestion through various sources, including the Florida 511 website, mobile app, and regional Twitter feeds.
Oklahoma's Air Traffic: Major Airports and Their Significance
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Construction began in 2019 and was expected to be completed by 2022
Construction at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) began in 2019 and was expected to be completed by late 2021 or summer 2022. The construction is part of the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) $545–$580 million Gateway Expressway Project, which includes the creation of two new four-lane elevated tolled roadways. These roadways will provide direct connections between U.S. 19 and I-275, as well as the Bayside Bridge and I-275, improving traffic flow in the area.
The project also involves the construction of a new airport access road parallel to SR 686, a new signalized intersection at Terminal Boulevard, and a permanent roadway connection at Fairchild Drive north of the existing signal at Airport Parkway from Westbound SR 686. The work also affects airport parking, with the ground transportation and short-term parking lots temporarily closed for around six months. Drivers are advised to use the Key Lime PIE Economy Lot and Airport Employee Lots by turning onto 144th Avenue, or the Strawberry PIE Economy Lot via internal roads by taking Airport Parkway to Fairchild Drive.
During construction, travellers are urged to allow extra time for their journeys and to use the cell phone or long-term parking lots for pick-ups. They can also stay updated on construction progress and any travel delays through various sources, including Florida 511, the Pinellas County website, and local news alerts and newsletters from Patch.
The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is a medium-sized, multi-use airport located in Clearwater, Florida, just north of St. Petersburg. The airport serves civil and military aviation, flight training operations, air carriers, and a law-enforcement aviation unit.
LaGuardia Airport Delays: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The project will improve connections between U.S. 19 and I-275, as well as the Bayside Bridge
The Gateway Expressway project is a major road construction project that is expected to improve connections between U.S. 19 and I-275, as well as the Bayside Bridge. The project, which began six years ago, has faced several delays due to supply and labour shortages and hurricanes. The project includes the construction of two new tolled roadways, SR 690 and SR 686A, which will provide direct connections between U.S. 19, I-275, and the Bayside Bridge.
SR 690 is a new four-lane tolled expressway that will connect U.S. 19 to the west of I-275. The road is being constructed in the median of 118th Avenue North, with parts of it elevated over portions of 118th Avenue North, 49th Street North, 47th Street North, and other surrounding streets. SR 690 will also include new ramps and bridges, improving access and connectivity in the area.
SR 686A is another new four-lane tolled expressway, connecting the Bayside Bridge to just west of I-275. The majority of this roadway is being built in the median of Roosevelt Boulevard and Ulmerton Road, with an interchange at Ulmerton Road included in the project. The new roadway will continue south through the old Sunshine Speedway until it merges with SR 690.
In addition to these new roadways, the Gateway Expressway project includes the creation of express lanes on I-275. These express lanes, located from south of Gandy Boulevard to 4th Street North, are tolled lanes with one lane in each direction. They are designed to manage congestion, improve traffic flow, and provide drivers with additional travel options. The express lanes are open to passenger vehicles, registered vanpools, and buses, with tolls collected electronically using the SunPass Prepaid Toll Program.
The Gateway Expressway project also involves rebuilding Roosevelt Boulevard from the Bayside Bridge to Ulmerton Road as two one-way surface roads, including a new access configuration and roads for the St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE) Airport terminal. This will enhance access to and from the airport, improving the overall travel experience for passengers and visitors.
The project's total cost is approximately $545-595 million, and it is expected to bring significant benefits to the region by easing traffic congestion and providing more efficient transportation options.
Cell Phone Lots at Airports: A Quick Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport's Ground Transportation Lot was closed for 30-60 days as a result
The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is undergoing major construction as part of the Gateway Expressway project. This $545–580 million project includes the creation of two new four-lane elevated tolled roadways, providing direct connections between U.S. 19 and I-275, as well as the Bayside Bridge and I-275. The project is expected to be completed by late 2021 or summer 2022.
As a result of this construction, PIE's Ground Transportation Lot was closed for 30 to 60 days. This closure is part of the ongoing airport parking and roadway project. During this time, airport ground transportation, hotel shuttle, super shuttle, and off-site rental car shuttle providers will pick up passengers in front of the terminal. Visitors are encouraged to use the cell phone lot for awaiting passenger pick-up or the long-term parking lot. The short-term parking lot will be closed for approximately six months.
The Gateway Expressway project will significantly improve transportation in the area. It will provide express connections and relieve congestion on nearby roads such as Ulmerton and Roosevelt Road. However, during the construction phase, passengers and visitors to the airport may experience some delays and inconveniences. It is recommended to plan for extra time when travelling to or from the airport.
The construction at PIE Airport also includes other components such as a new airport access road parallel to SR 686, a new signalized intersection at Terminal Boulevard, and a permanent roadway connection at Fairchild Drive. These improvements are designed to enhance the overall accessibility and efficiency of the airport. Despite the temporary disruptions, the long-term benefits of the project are expected to outweigh the short-term challenges.
Overall, the construction at PIE Airport, including the temporary closure of the Ground Transportation Lot, is a necessary step towards improving the airport's infrastructure and transportation network. While there may be some delays during the construction period, the project is on track to be completed within the expected timeframe. Passengers and visitors are advised to stay updated with the latest construction and travel information through the airport's official channels and local news sources.
Metal Detectors: Airport Security's Inner Workings
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Construction at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is still ongoing as of February 2019. The construction is part of the Florida Department of Transportation's $580 million Gateway Expressway Project, which includes the creation of two new four-lane elevated toll roads. The project was expected to be completed by late 2021 or summer 2022.
The project aims to relieve congestion on roads surrounding the airport, such as Ulmerton and Roosevelt Roads, and provide direct connections between U.S. 19 and I-275, as well as the Bayside Bridge and I-275.
The construction will affect airport parking and ground transportation. The short-term parking lot and ground transportation lot are temporarily closed, and visitors are encouraged to use the long-term parking lot or the cell phone lot for pick-ups.
Yes, airport ground transportation, hotel shuttles, and off-site rental car shuttles will be available to pick up passengers in front of the terminal.
You can visit the Florida Department of Transportation's website, FDOT, or use the Florida 511 service by calling 511, visiting FL511.com, or downloading the free mobile app. These sources will provide the latest information on construction updates, lane closures, travel times, and more.
![What Is to Be Done? [Burning Questions of Our Movement]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61ynAWXEHVL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
