GMD crosswalk construction begins this week

A Florida Department of Transportation construction contractor is starting a Longboat Key crosswalk construction project on Gulf of Mexico Drive this week.

Traffic information signs are on the island informing residents of the pending construction, which should be complete by the end of the year, weather permitting.

On the north end, two crosswalks will be built at Companion Way and near Banyan Club in the 5600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive to accommodate pedestrians north and south of the Centre Shops.

On the south end, crosswalks will be built near the Diplomat Condominium Beach Resort at 3175 Gulf of Mexico Drive and at the Country Club Shores beach access at Longboat Club Drive in the 1000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The crosswalks will have push buttons for pedestrians to activate rectangular flashing lights to let motorists know when pedestrians are crossing.

Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures while crews are working.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].